2015-2016 Student Handbook
COLLEGE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
In this section you’ll find information about College policies and regulations. For more information
contact the Office of the Dean of Students.
Table of Contents
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Automobile Regulations and Fees
Baby Sitting
CamNet Responsible Computing Policy
Campus ID Cards/CamCards
Complaint/Grievance Procedures for Students
Contractual Agreements
Corrections to College Records
Dress
Family Communications
Freedom of Expression
Freshman Regulations
Fundraising, Vending and Sales
Guests
Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy
Hazing
Health Related Issues
Imprinted Items Policy for Student Organizations
Intellectual Property Policy
Intra-Campus Mail Service
Jurisdiction of the College
Lake
Medical Amnesty
Meredith Seal and Wordmark
Off-Campus Events
Off-Campus Responsibility
Performances
Publications Publicity and Advertising
Reservations for Space for Unofficial Meredith Groups
Residence Hall Regulations
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Residence Requirement
Returned Checks
Return to Campus Following Evaluation/Hospitalization
Sexual Misconduct and Grievance Procedures
Smoking Policy
Sororities and Secret Societies
Solicitation Policy
Student Activities Fee
Sunbathing
Transportation- College
T-Shirt and Sweatshirt Design Approval
Weapons/Firearms
Withholding Grades
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Alcohol and Other Drugs
The College strongly discourages illegal and irresponsible use of alcoholic beverages by Meredith
students. North Carolina State law prohibits the use or possession of alcoholic beverages for persons
who are under twenty-one years of age. The possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages on
campus or in any College building is prohibited except by those of legal age in individual on-campus
apartments. Any amount of alcohol possessed or consumed by persons under the age of twenty-one
shall be considered “possession.” Memento bottles are not allowed in residence halls. Providing alcohol
to any person who is under the age of twenty-one is illegal. A student may not attend class while under
the influence of alcohol. Inappropriate or illegal behavior related to alcohol use will result in disciplinary
action.
Meredith students are expected to represent the College with dignity at all times. Students who choose
to possess and consume alcohol are encouraged to do so responsibly and not in a manner that would
disrupt the living community or endanger themselves or others. Students shall not possess or consume
intoxicants at any College-sponsored functions sponsored by Meredith students or any Meredith
student organization. Students participating in any Meredith or Meredith-affiliated study abroad
program are expected to follow the laws of the host country and host institution during any study
abroad program. Meredith believes it essential to the well-being of students to make every effort to
maintain a campus environment free of such influences as illegal drugs. In view of this belief, the Board
of Trustees has articulated the following policy related to illegal drugs. The policy simply stated is as
follows: Meredith College students shall not illegally manufacture, possess, sell or deliver a controlled
substance or counterfeit controlled substance or possess drug paraphernalia. The terms “controlled
substance” and “counterfeit controlled substance” shall be defined in accordance with the definitions
set out in the North Carolina General Statutes. Any student suspected of a violation of this policy is
subject to a hearing by the Honor Council of Meredith College. If found responsible, the student will be
suspended or expelled in accordance with the drug policy as enunciated by the Board of Trustees. The
violator is also subject to North Carolina law. Paraphernalia that tests positive for any illegal substance
shall be considered possession of a drug.
Drivers deemed by campus police to be impaired will not be allowed to operate vehicles on campus. The
threshold of impairment is very low (any alcohol or controlled substance previously consumed
remaining in the body) for persons under the age of twenty-one. Campus Police will send a report to the
Dean of Students in the case of any student deemed to be driving while impaired. In the case of a
resident student deemed to be driving while impaired, an immediate report will be made to the
residence director on duty or the apartment manager.
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Automobile Regulations and Fees
Student Parking Permits
At the beginning of each semester, all students may qualify for the privilege of bringing a car on campus
by signing the appropriate agreement, paying the parking permit fee, and displaying a numbered decal.
Decals for students living in residence halls and commuting students must be affixed permanently with
the decal’s adhesive to the rear window of the car. Decals may not be taped to the rear window. Decals
for apartment residents must be affixed to the front windshield of the car. Forms and decals may be
obtained from Campus Police. Adequate parking is provided for all those who qualify.
Fee Schedule for Parking Permits
Annual residence hall permit $200
Annual apartment resident permit $200
Annual commuter permit $125
Annual graduate permit $100
Permits are payable each fall. Refunds will be prorated by semester.
A student who does not have a vehicle registered may purchase a temporary permit for $1.00 per day
for a period not to exceed two weeks. The temporary permit must be for a specific need and is not
intended for the purpose of avoiding the purchase of a permanent permit.
Parking Regulations
Parking regulations are enforced year-round (7 days per week, 24 hours per day), including breaks. The
following parking practices are specifically prohibited:
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Parking an unregistered vehicle anywhere on the Meredith campus.
Parking on the front drive
Double parking.
Parking on lawns, grass, landscaped areas, side-walks, or other areas not set aside for parking.
Parking in such a manner as to block traffic, parked vehicles, or roadways.
Parking in fire lanes, loading areas, emergency areas marked as NO PARKING ZONES, including
areas marked with diagonal yellow lines.
Parking in an area designated for registration decals other than the one displayed (for example,
students in reserved spaces).
Parking in visitors’ area with a Meredith decal.
Students driving any vehicle on campus other than their registered vehicle must apply for a
temporary pass.
Parking is prohibited in the circle in front of Johnson Hall (Fire Lane). Exceptions will be allowed
on move-in or move-out days as long as a driver remains with the vehicle at all times.
Unattended vehicles will be ticketed and may be towed.
Parking is prohibited in the circle in front of Wainwright (Fire Lane). Unattended vehicles will be
ticketed and may be towed.
Anyone receiving a parking ticket that she may think is unwarranted may appeal the ticket with
the Parking Director. An appeal form is available at the Campus Police Office. Appeals must be
submitted within fifteen days of the date of the violation. Please consult the Student Handbook
and the parking brochure for the campus parking policies. A lack of knowledge of parking rules
will not be considered as a valid appeal.
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Parking tickets may be appealed by completing an appeal form at Campus Police. All appeals
must be submitted within 15 calendar days from date of offense. A lack of knowledge of parking
rules will not be considered as a valid appeal.
Apartment resident students are not allowed to park on main campus. Students displaying
decals other than apartment resident decals are not allowed to park in the apartment parking
lots.
No warning tickets are given. Parking fines are $50; fines for parking in handicapped and fire lanes are
$100; Auto-boot and towing fines are $100. Unregistered cars will be Auto-booted and will not be
released until all fines are paid. (An Auto-boot is a device that clamps to the wheel of a car. Attempts to
move a car with an Auto-boot will result in serious damage to the car.)
Handicap parking is provided in many locations across campus. Vehicles displaying a handicap permit
may park in any handicap space. Any student who has a state issued Handicap Placard registered in
her/his name, must provide a copy of the placard and Handicap Registration card to Campus Police
when getting a Meredith parking permit.
Campus parking privileges may be revoked in cases when a student repeatedly parks in any space other
than authorized for her assigned decal. Fifteen-minute parking spaces may be used for loading and
unloading only.
Meredith College is not responsible for damage to student vehicles parked on campus.
Consult campus police for complete parking information, including identification of open parking lots at
designated times.
Temporary Parking Permits
Faculty, staff and students with a valid parking permit may obtain a temporary parking permit, free of
charge, when their registered car is unavailable.
Family and Guest Parking
All cars are required to be registered. Students are responsible for the proper parking and registration of
guest vehicles. There is no charge for permits for family and guests. Students should become familiar
with all visitor parking areas and direct their guests to proper areas. Guests’ vehicles are also subject to
being ticketed.
Baby Sitting
Baby sitting is not permitted on campus regardless of the age of the child. The residence halls and
apartments are not appropriate communities for young children, especially infants.
CamNet Responsible Computing Policy
This document sets forth the CamNet Use Policy for Meredith College. Please read it—you are
responsible for knowing and following these policies. All students, faculty and staff are responsible for
using Meredith’s computing resources in an effective, ethical, moral and legal manner.
Purpose
Technology Services has responsibility for providing voice and data support services to Meredith
College. In terms of systems, Technology Services is responsible for telecommunications, administrative
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computing, academic computing and library computing activities. Computers and networks provide
access to resources on and off the campus, as well as the ability to communicate with other users
worldwide. Such access is a privilege and requires the user act responsibly.
Users must respect the rights of other users, respect the integrity of the systems and observe all
relevant laws, regulations and obligations. All existing laws, federal and state and college regulations
and policies apply. Illegal reproduction of software protected by US Copyright Law is subject to civil and
criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment.
The practice of unauthorized downloading and file sharing runs counter to the college’s commitment to
integrity. Use of illegally copied software is a violation of federal law as detailed in the Digital
Millennium Copyright Act (Title 17 United States Code). The introduction of software programs that
enable the sharing of illegal files over the college’s network often introduce adware, spyware, worms
and viruses that adversely affect the performance of the individual’s computer; infect and even damage
the college’s network resources requiring costly time-consuming repair efforts; and deny the use of
these electronic resources to others in the college community. A student who has obtained
unauthorized software is encouraged to bring her computer to the Technology Services department for
assistance in deleting unauthorized software. If the College receives an Infringement Notification
showing that a computer belonging to the college network has been illegally downloading and sharing
digital music, movies, or game files, Meredith College will comply with the request to remove the
specified files.
When a student is notified that her computer has been identified in an “Infringement Notification,” she
will first be given a warning and assistance by the Technology Services department in deleting
unauthorized software from her computer.
If a student, after receiving a warning, again violates copyright law, she will be referred to the Honor
Council for further action.
Misuse of computing, networking, or information resources may result in the loss of computing
privileges. Certain infringements may lead to prosecution under the applicable statutes. Users will be
held accountable for their conduct under applicable College policies. Complaints alleging misuse should
be directed to Chief Information Officer, Technology Services, Meredith College, by sending an e-mail to
cio@meredith.edu.
Use of College-Owned Resources
The following policies apply to all College-owned technology resources provided for use by the Meredith
College Community—faculty, staff and students. The intent is to give an overview of acceptable and
unacceptable uses. This document is not to be considered as an exhaustive enumeration of all uses and
misuses.
Acceptable Use
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Consistent with the mission of the college
For the purpose of and in support of education and research
By students, faculty and staff who have been trained, and who have a current network account
and a valid password
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Unacceptable Use
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Unauthorized copying of copyrighted material
Destruction of or damage to the equipment, software or data belonging to the college and/or
other users
Use of computers or network that violates federal, state or local laws or statutes
Providing, assisting in or gaining unauthorized or inappropriate access to Meredith’s computing
resources
Activities that interfere with the ability of others to use resources effectively
Use of printers as copiers—one copy of output should be made and taken to the copiers for the
production of multiple copies
Activities that result in the loss of another person’s work/data or unauthorized access to another
person’s work/data.
Campus ID Cards/CamCards
All Meredith students are required to have and carry a Meredith photo identification card called the
CamCard. A “Meredith student” is defined to be any student registered for at least one academic credit
course through the Meredith College registrar or the John E. Weems Graduate School. Identification
cards are made free-of-charge in the Campus Police Office. Lost or stolen CamCards should be reported
immediately to the Campus Police Office. There is a $5.00 charge to replace lost or stolen CamCards.
CamCards are required of all individuals in order to check out library materials, for student access to
residence halls, and for general identification purposes around the campus. Resident students must use
the CamCard for Meredith dining services. Any person using campus facilities, entering classrooms,
other buildings and athletic facilities must have a college ID.
Any individual who has a CamCard may open a Secure Spending Account by making a deposit to her/his
Secure Spending Account. Funds on deposit will allow the identification card to be used for access to the
Secure Spending Account for purchases in the Meredith Supply Store, certain campus vending
operations, campus photocopy machines, and for individual meal purchases in the dining hall and the
snack bar. Deposits may be made in person at the Accounting Office or by mail. Cash withdrawals are
not allowed. For more information related to depositing money in a Secure Spending account, please
contact the Accounting Office.
Complaint/Grievance Procedures for Students
Academic Problems
Students who are experiencing academic problems either with a grade or other conditions of the course
should first discuss the matter with the professor. It is the professor’s responsibility to explain fully all
grades and requirements of the course. If the problem is not resolved, the student or professor should
consult the department head. Should further action be required, the matter should be taken to the dean
of the school.
Any grievance concerning a grade that has not been satisfactorily resolved by the teacher, the
department head, or the dean may be appealed to the Senior Vice President and Provost. The grade
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may be appealed on the basis of a question concerning: (1) clerical or numerical error, (2) personal bias
or arbitrary grading. The formal appeal must be made within the first eight weeks of the term
immediately following the grading period in which the grade is received. If the grievance can be
equitably settled, the matter will be closed. If an agreement acceptable to the teacher and the student
cannot be reached through the vice president’s mediation, the case will be referred to Academic Council
for action. The decision of Academic Council will be final.
Housing Problems
A student who experiences a housing problem during the academic year should discuss the problem
with the resident assistant responsible for her floor or the residence director responsible for her
residence hall. If the problem cannot be resolved through discussion with the resident assistant or the
residence director, the student may make an appointment with the director of residence life for further
consideration.
General Student Complaints
Meredith College provides a learning environment that prepares students for responsible lives of lifelong learning, professional development and global citizenship. The Meredith experience is designed to
encourage collaborative learning among students, faculty and staff. Meredith College has a long and rich
history in student self-governance and in promoting the general welfare of all students. To continue to
enhance the quality of services and resources offered to students, Meredith College welcomes opinions,
feedback and constructive ideas. The College is committed to ensuring that students have an avenue for
articulating concerns, complaints and grievances.
In communicating specific concerns, complaints and grievances, students are encouraged to follow
established policies and procedures outlined in the online Meredith College Student Handbook and the
Meredith College Undergraduate Catalogue. These methods include grievance and appeal procedures
for academic problems or grades, academic suspension and other academic policies, harassment and
non-discrimination policy complaints, reports of sexual misconduct, Honor Code violations, housing
issues, financial aid probation or suspension, disability services, student employment, and access to
educational records.
In communicating general concerns, complaints or grievances that do not follow one of the specific
grievance procedures indicated above, students have recourse through the following avenues:
Communication of Concerns through the Student Government Association - Any Meredith student may
bring a concern to any branch of the Student Government Association. The Student Life Committee, a
branch of the Student Government Association, directs attention and study to the concerns and wellbeing of the students at Meredith College. Students are also invited to participate in forums and student
body meetings sponsored by the Student Government Association in fall and spring semesters.
Informal Process for General Complaints – A student is encouraged to resolve concerns or complaints
by directly discussing the matter with the staff member or department in which the issue originated. If
the complaint is not resolved, the next contact will be the supervisor or responsible administrator to
investigate the issue. The student should attempt to resolve the complaint informally as soon as possible
but at least within 30 days of the occurrence. Staff members in the Office of the Dean of Students are
also available as a resource for students who have complaints.
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Formal Process for General Complaints – If the matter is unresolved after following the informal
complaint process, the student may complete a formal written complaint by completing a Student
General Complaint Form available in the Office of the Dean of Students, 2nd floor Park Center. The
formal complaint form must be submitted to the Office of the Dean of Students within ten (10) College
working days following the date that the informal complaint process is completed. If the complaint is
about the staff in the Office of the Dean of Students, the student may submit the complaint form to the
Vice President for College Programs. The formal complaint must contain the following information:
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Name of student filing the formal complaint
Name of the staff member or department the complaint is against
Date(s) of the incident(s)
Statement of facts and nature of the concern/complaint
Description of steps already attempted to resolve concern through informal procedures
Resolution being sought by student
Student signature and contact information
Procedures for Resolution of Formal Complaints:
The staff in the Office of the Dean of Students will log all general formal complaints and send the
complaint to the appropriate administrator for review, investigation and decision.
The responsible administrator will usually respond within ten (10) working days to the complainant.
Depending on the nature of the complaint, the responsible administrator may call together involved
parties to mediate the situation and determine a solution or decision. The administrator will inform the
student of the decision in writing. When a decision is made about a formal complaint, a copy of the
written decision should be sent to the Dean of Students, who maintains the general complaint log.
If the resolution is unsatisfactory to the student, she may then contact the Dean of Students for a
referral to the appropriate Vice President. The Vice President shall respond to the complaint within
twenty (20) College working days after receipt of the formal complaint and inform the student of the
decision in writing. Decisions and resolutions made by a Vice President are final.
If the complaint is submitted about a Vice President, the complaint will be referred to the President for
response and decision.
No person against whom a complaint is filed shall intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against
any student submitting a complaint. Complaints about retaliation may be communicated to the Office of
the Dean of Students.
Contractual Agreements
Any contractual agreement for which the College must issue a check or upon which the name of
Meredith College appears must have the signature of the vice president for business and finance or the
president. This policy includes any club, organization, group, or individual acting directly or indirectly as
a part of the College. Organization advisers and/or sponsors must approve the agreement which is to be
signed by the director of student leadership and service and, if necessary, by the vice president for
college programs and the vice president for business and finance.
Copyright Policy
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Meredith College expects students, faculty and staff to be familiar with and obey copyright law. At a
minimum, members of the Meredith community should have a basic understanding of Fair Use
concepts. Users of Blackboard should be aware of additional limitations as described in the TEACH Act.
Refer to the Meredith College copyright web page at http://infotogo.meredith.edu/copyright for more
information. Supplementary copyright instruction sessions will be offered annually to the Meredith
community.
Corrections to College Records
Students should notify the Office of the Registrar of name, address, phone, and marital status changes in
addition to changes in the student’s academic program, anticipated completion or catalogue.
Meredith College Policy on Demonstrations
Meredith College requires notice in advance of any proposed demonstration on campus as follows:
students should contact the Office of Student Leadership and Service at least 24 hours in advance; all
others should contact the Vice President for College Programs (111- 113 Johnson Hall) at least 48 hours
in advance. With less notice, the College will try to accommodate a demonstration but may not be able
to do so. For demonstrations that are to take place over the weekend, notification should occur before
the close of business on Thursday.
Be prepared to tell the College:
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Number of people involved with demonstration
Proposed nature of the demonstration
Contact info for responsible person
Plans to advertise/inform others about the demonstration.
Any persons on College property should be prepared to present a picture ID at the request of campus
police. Failure to do so may result in exclusion from campus.
Demonstrations may not interfere with any classes or campus events.
All demonstrations, including distribution of flyers or brochures, must take place outside of campus
buildings, stay at least 30 feet from the main entrances to those buildings, and refrain from blocking
access to and from the buildings, roads or sidewalks. The College will clearly mark the 30 foot boundary
at public events.
No one may harass, abuse, or intimidate any person on campus.
No sound amplification equipment may be used.
All people on campus must follow all directives of campus police or other College officials acting in their
official capacity.
In normal circumstances, no demonstrations or assemblies will be allowed near campus housing
between the hours of 9 pm and 9 am.
Meredith College reserves the right to deny requests for access to the campus by individuals or groups
who are not affiliated with Meredith College faculty, staff, or students or that are commercial in nature.
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Dress
For reasons of health and safety, shoes must be worn in the dining hall and science laboratories.
Family Communications
The College reserves the right to contact the family of Meredith students in accordance with the Federal
Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. For more information visit The U.S. Department of Education's
website at: www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/parents.html
Meredith College Statement of Philosophy on Freedom of Expression
Meredith College values freedom and openness in the pursuit of truth. The lively and free exchange of
ideas is essential to the intellectual life of the College as well as to the expansion of knowledge itself.
Freedom of thought, free speech, and peaceful assembly are rights of citizens and are fundamental to
this open inquiry and search for knowledge.
Members of the Meredith College community express their views through a variety of established
means, including Student Government, faculty governance, and staff affairs committees. The College
also recognizes the right of an individual to express views through dissent and peaceful protest. The
College has an obligation and responsibility to protect the rights of individuals who do not wish to
participate in demonstrations and whose educational or employment pursuits must not be disrupted.
The College has the obligation to ensure the safety of individuals, the protection of property, and the
continuity of the educational process. Demonstrations and assemblies may not infringe on the rights of
others or disrupt essential operations of the College.
Meredith College protects the rights of all of its students, faculty, and staff.
Freshman Regulations
Traditional-aged freshmen observe the same regulations as all other students with the addition of the
following:
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Freshmen must attend the required hall or commuter meetings during freshman orientation.
Other required meetings are noted in the Student Planner.
Freshmen must attend both sessions of the Discovery Series. The two sessions take place during
the fall semester on Mondays. Sessions are designed to enhance each first year student’s
college experience by introducing her to campus and community resources and informing her
about issues which may affect her life as a student and as a woman.
Fundraising, Vending, and Sales
Information regarding fundraisers and the sale of items can be found on MyMeredith under the Office
of Student Leadership and Service.
To reserve a table in the Cate Center Lobby near the Information Desk (first floor), contact the Office of
Student Leadership and Service. Belk Dining Hall also has one table that can be used to conduct
fundraisers or publicity campaigns for student organizations or other approved Meredith groups. This
table is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the Director of Dining Services before
making plans to use the table.
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Meredith College does not permit the sale of items advertising or advocating the use of drugs, including
alcohol or tobacco. Meredith reserves the right to deny permission to any group selling or distributing
materials that are not in accord with the philosophy of the College.
Guests
A Meredith student is responsible for the appropriate behavior of her campus guests. A guest is
expected to observe the same regulations as the Meredith student. Guests will be responsible for paying
for all of their meals eaten in the dining hall (see dining hall fee schedule). A guest should carry a photo
ID while visiting campus. A guest is defined as any person, including a current student, who has not
signed a campus housing contract.
Apartment Guests
Overnight guests are permitted to stay up to three consecutive nights in any seven-day period. An
apartment resident is responsible for her guest’s behavior. If a guest is disruptive to the living
community, he/she may be asked to leave the apartments. An apartment resident must complete an
Extended Stay form for any guest wanting to stay more than three consecutive nights, and the
apartment resident must turn the form in to apartment staff in advance of the guest’s stay. Apartment
residents and their guests shall be considerate of others and the living community while using common
spaces. A guest is defined as any person who has not signed a Rental Agreement for the Oaks (including
current students).
Residence Hall Guests
Female Guests, Residence Hall
A female guest is allowed to stay overnight on campus only if her host is also on campus. When hosting
a female guest, a student should respect the rights of her roommate regarding the behavior and length
of stay of the guest. Female guests should be accompanied by a Meredith student. The host should
register her guest (female) before 11 p.m. with her residence director, who will issue her a guest pass. If
the guest arrives after closing hours, the student must register her with a security guard. The security
guard may request identification of any guest coming in after closing hours. A guest will not be
permitted onto campus if she does not have a guest pass or is not accompanied by her Meredith host.
Residents are permitted to host the same guest for a maximum of three nights within a 30- day period.
Male Guests, Residence Hall
Except during an Open House for reasons of privacy and security, male guests are allowed in the
residence halls only in first floor parlors and only when accompanied by a Meredith student. During
Open House hours, male guests may enter through any residence hall door when accompanied by a
Meredith student. During non-Open House hours, male guests must enter only through the first floor
parlor doors (during hours in which the campus is not closed). Males are not allowed on campus after
closing hours (1:00 a.m. Sunday – Thursday; 2:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday) except to accompany
students to their residence halls. Then the male guest must immediately leave campus.
Open House hours for male guests
Beginning the first weekend in September and the weekend after classes start in January, Open Houses
are planned for:
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Thursdays 5 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Fridays 3 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Sundays 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
No Open Houses are held during exams or holidays/campus breaks. All open house weekends are
listed in the Student Planner.
Residence directors may grant special permission for men to carry heavy items to or from a student’s
room (heavy items include: refrigerators, heavy trunks, book shelves, heavy furniture, unusually bulky or
large items). This permission is a privilege; therefore, men should not linger on the halls after they have
completed the task for which they were granted permission.
The person giving permission for a male to carry things onto the hall is responsible for checking to make
certain the male vacated the hall. Residents are expected to announce “male on the hall.” They are to
escort their helper out of the building within 15 minutes. Fathers of Meredith students and brothers
under the age of 12 are allowed in the residence halls at any time before closing hours provided they are
escorted by the Meredith student to and from her room.
Males unaccompanied by a Meredith student are not allowed in the courtyard after dark unless they are
en route to a residence hall first-floor parlor for an arranged meeting.
Other campus locations for visiting with male guests:
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Weatherspoon Gymnasium during the hours posted by the department of Health, Exercise and
Sports Science. Equipment must be returned to its proper place upon leaving. (Note: No guests
may use equipment in the Margaret W. Parker Fitness Center).
Cate Center, including the Bee Hive Cafe, lounges, and supply store.
Harassment, Non-Discrimination Policy and Grievance Procedures
Introduction
Meredith College prohibits discrimination and harassment in the administration of any of its educational
programs, admissions policies1, scholarship and loan programs, and other school administered programs
as well as employment. Meredith College prohibits and does not engage in discrimination or harassment
that is based on a person’s religion, race, color, national origin, age (as defined in the Age Discrimination
in Employment Act), sex, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation or any other category protected
by applicable law. The College views violations of this policy as very serious matters and any person
who violates this policy will be subject to corrective action, up to and including dismissal (please see
disciplinary information in appropriate handbook whether faculty, staff, student or board policies),
whether such conduct occurred on or off campus.
Meredith College provides notice of intent to comply with the regulations effectuating Title IX of the
Higher Education Amendments of 1972, as amended by Public Law 93-568 Inquiries concerning Title IX
compliance by the College may be made to the Title IX Coordinator or Office of Civil Rights. The
College’s Title IX Coordinator is Pamela Davis, Director of Human Resources, who may be contacted at
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Meredith only admits to and serves females in its undergraduate program, as it is permitted by law.
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3800 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27607, by email at davispam@meredith.edu, or by phone at
919-760-8760. The Deputy Title IX Coordinator is Ann Gleason, Dean of Students, who may be
contacted at the same address, by email at gleasona@meredith.edu, or by phone at 919-760-8521.
Reports made to the Title IX Coordinators under this policy require the College to promptly evaluate
the situation and address concerns.
Descriptions
I. Discrimination. Discrimination is treating someone unfavorably because of his or her religion, race,
color, national origin, age, sex, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation or any other category
protected by applicable law.
II. Harassment. Harassment is any action (oral, written or electronic), repeated or persistent series of
actions, or expressions that are reasonably perceived as creating an offensive, hostile educational,
employment or college living environment for a student or College employee. Harassment may rise to
the level of being so severe and pervasive as to create an offensive or hostile work or educational
environment and adversely affect a student’s participation or educational environment or adversely
affect an employee’s terms or conditions of employment.
Sexual harassment is a particular form of harassment also prohibited by the College. Sexual harassment
will vary with the circumstances but the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has defined
sexual harassment with regard to employment as follows:
“Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a
sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:
1. Condition of an individual’s employment;
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for employment
decisions affecting such individual; or
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work
performance or creating an intimidating hostile or offensive working environment.”
By way of example, verbal or written sexual harassment can include sexual innuendoes, offensive
remarks about another person’s clothing or body, suggestive or insulting sounds, implied or overt sexual
propositions, cyberstalking or harassment, or pressure for sex. Examples of physical sexual harassment
can include leering or ogling, obscene gestures, inappropriate touching, fondling or kissing, and coerced
sexual contact. Sexual harassment can be perpetrated upon members of the opposite gender or one’s
own gender. Occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature do not normally constitute sexual
harassment. Similarly, depending upon the circumstances (including the nature of course materials or
the context of an action), not all verbal or physical conduct will be considered sexual in nature. The
classroom in an academic setting is distinct in the workplace, and the College will maintain and
encourage academic freedom. The academic setting will be considered with regard to complaints and to
be harassment such behavior must be not germane to the subject matter.
A more serious form of sexual offense is sexual violence.
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Sexual violence is a severe form of sexual harassment and refers to physical sexual acts perpetrated
against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent. A number of different acts fall
into the category of sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse,
relationship violence, stalking and sexual coercion. Individuals should refer to the College’s Sexual
Violence Policy for more information found in the online student and employee handbooks, and on the
Title IX website and the websites of the Offices of Human Resources and Dean Students.
III. No Retaliation. It is a violation of this policy to retaliate against a person who has complained about
discrimination or harassment (to include sexual violence), or for assisting, participating or cooperating in
an investigation or grievance of a complaint hereunder.
IV. Wrongful Allegations. It is a violation of this policy to bring a knowingly false complaint under this
policy. However, failure to prove a claim of harassment does not alone constitute proof of a false and/or
malicious accusation.
V. Confidentiality. The College will make reasonable efforts to keep all information relating to
complaints under this policy confidential and share information on a need-to-know basis, to the extent
consistent with the College’s legal obligations, its need to investigate allegations, and its need to take
corrective and/or disciplinary actions. Complainants may use the Chaplain, Health Services medical
personnel, or Counseling Center counselors as confidential resources. However, reporting to the College
chaplain, medical personnel or and/or counselors as confidential resources is not reporting to the
College under this policy and they are obligated to keep confidentiality unless the complainant asks for
assistance in reporting. All participants in the grievance process or any investigation of any allegation
hereunder shall respect the confidentiality of the process and violation of confidentiality on a need-toknow basis is a violation of this policy. Individuals have the right to report incidents of sexual violence to
law enforcement official at any point in this process, in addition to any remedies sought under this
policy.
VII. Grievance Materials. Once grievance proceedings are completed, all materials related to the case,
including statements, evidence and documents, and all other materials examined, shall be retained in a
separate file in the Office of Human Resources or Office of the Dean of Students (as appropriate) for a
period of ten years, unless the findings result in termination of employment or expulsion, in which case
records are to be kept permanently on file. Complaint information is not placed in personnel or student
files.
VIII. Corrective and/or Disciplinary Action. Violations of this policy subject the violators to corrective
and/or disciplinary action, up to and including termination or expulsion in accordance with College
procedures. If sanctions result, documentation of such will be placed in the personnel or student files,
and may be taken into consideration for other situations as appropriate. Sanctions of expulsion would
be kept permanently on file and reflected on a student’s academic transcript. In allegations of sexual
violence, the College may be required to report incidents to law enforcement officials. The College is
obligated to take prompt and effective steps to end sexual violence, harassment and/or discrimination,
prevent its recurrence, and address its effects, whether or not there is a criminal investigation.
Harassment or Discrimination by Undergraduate Students: Methods of Resolution
At any point in the grievance process, the Office of the Dean of Students may be contacted and will
receive a complaint or provide assistance as appropriate. In the event of employee involvement, the
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Office of Human Resources may be contacted. Discussing a complaint does not commit one to making a
formal charge. Complainants may use the College chaplain, Health Center staff, and/or counselors as
confidential resources to learn more about sexual harassment/violence and its effects. However,
reporting to these resources is not reporting to the College and they are obligated to keep
confidentiality unless the complainant asks for assistance in reporting. Complaints should be presented
within a timely manner usually within thirty (30) business days of the conduct giving rise to the
grievance.
I. Informal Resolution. Either directly, or with the assistance of a third party (current student, faculty or
staff) chosen by the complainant, complainants are encouraged to make their discomfort known to
perceived harassers in a timely manner. Perceived harassers have a responsibility to attempt to
understand both the intentional and unintentional effects of their behavior and to respond in a
thoughtful, sensitive manner to those perceived effects. In serious instances of harassment (including
sexual violence), it is unreasonable to expect complainants to confront their perceived harassers.
Instances involving sexual violence will be addressed through the College’s Sexual Misconduct Policy.
If appropriate, the dean of students may arrange a meeting between the two parties to facilitate
discussion of the complaint. Mediation is designed to encourage each person to be honest and direct
with the other and to accept personal responsibility where appropriate. Its goal is to facilitate the
resolution of the incident to the satisfaction of both persons involved, and to reach an agreement that is
binding on both parties. In cases involving allegations of sexual violence, mediation will not be used in
the resolution process. If the complainant is satisfied with the outcome, the matter will be considered
resolved. If the outcome of mediation is unsatisfactory to the complainant, the complaint will be
returned to the dean of students within five business days and the formal process may be enacted A
complainant can end an informal resolution process at any time and proceed to formal resolution.
II. Formal Resolution. If complainant prefers to proceed to formal resolution directly or at any time
during informal resolution, the incident should be reported by the complainant to the solicitor general
or the dean of students as a violation of the Honor Code. The accused student will be asked to report to
the solicitor general of Honor Council or the dean of students. The accused student and the complainant
will be afforded all rights outlined in the procedures of the Honor System, as described in the
Constitution of the Student Government Association in the Student Handbook and Activities Calendar
(Article IV, Section II). Incidents involving sexual violence will be addressed through Grievance
Procedures outlined in the College’s Sexual Misconduct Policy. The College reserves the right to
discipline, including immediate suspension or expulsion at any time, any student whose conduct is
regarded by Meredith as undesirable, unacceptable or a violation of this policy.
Harassment or Discrimination by Graduate Students: Methods of Resolution. At any point in the
grievance process, the dean of the school of the student’s program (hereafter referred to as “dean of
the school”) may be contacted and will receive a complaint or provide assistance as appropriate. In the
event of employee involvement, the Office of Human Resources may be contacted. Discussing a
complaint does not commit one to making a formal charge. Complainants may use the College chaplain
and/or counselors as confidential resources to learn more about sexual harassment and its effects.
However, reporting to these resources is not reporting to the College and they are obligated to keep
confidentiality unless the complainant asks for assistance in reporting. Complaints should be presented
within a timely manner usually within thirty (30) business days of the conduct giving rise to the
grievance.
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I. InformalResolution. Either directly, or with the assistance of a third party (current student, faculty or
staff) chosen by the complainant, complainants are encouraged to make their discomfort known to
perceived harassers in a timely manner. Perceived harassers have a responsibility to attempt to
understand both the intentional and unintentional effects of their behavior and to respond in a
thoughtful, sensitive manner to those perceived effects. Incidents involving sexual violence will be
addressed through Grievance Procedures outlined in the College’s Sexual Misconduct Policy.
If appropriate, the dean of the school may arrange a meeting between the two parties to facilitate
discussion of the complaint. Mediation is designed to encourage each person to be honest and direct
with the other and to accept personal responsibility where appropriate. Its goal is to facilitate the
resolution of the incident to the satisfaction of both persons involved, and to reach an agreement that is
binding on both parties. If the complainant is satisfied with the outcome, the matter will be considered
resolved. If the outcome of mediation is unsatisfactory to the complainant, the complaint will be
returned to the dean of the school within five business days and the formal process may be enacted.
II. Formal Resolution. If complainant prefers to proceed to formal resolution directly or at any time
during informal resolution, the incident should be reported by the complainant to the dean of the
school of the student’s program (hereafter referred to as the “dean of the school”) as a violation of the
Honor Code. The dean of the school will receive the complaint or provide assistance as appropriate. The
accused student and the complainant will be afforded all rights outlined in the procedures of the Honor
System, as described in the Graduate Catalogue. Incidents involving sexual violence will be addressed
through Grievance Procedures outlined in the College’s Sexual Misconduct Policy.
The College reserves the right to discipline, including immediate suspension or expulsion at any time,
any student whose conduct is regarded by Meredith as undesirable, unacceptable or a violation of this
policy.
Harassment or Discrimination by Faculty or Staff: Methods of Resolution. At any point in the grievance
process, the Office of Human Resources may be contacted and will receive a complaint or provide
assistance as appropriate. In the event the complainant is a student, the dean of students or the dean of
the school may be contacted. Discussing a complaint does not commit one to making a formal charge.
Complainants may use the College chaplain and/or counselors as confidential resources to learn more
about sexual harassment and its effects. However, reporting to these resources is not reporting to the
College and they are obligated to keep confidentiality unless the complainant asks for assistance in
reporting. Complaints should be presented within a timely manner usually within thirty (30) business
days of the conduct giving rise to the grievance.
I. Informal Resolution. Either directly, or with the assistance of a third party (current student, faculty or
staff) chosen by the complainant, complainants are encouraged to make their discomfort known to
perceived harassers in a timely manner. Perceived harassers have a responsibility to attempt to
understand both the intentional and unintentional effects of their behavior and to respond in a
thoughtful, sensitive manner to those perceived effects. In serious instances of sexual harassment, it is
unreasonable to expect complainants to confront their perceived harassers.
Complainants are encouraged to report acts of harassment or discrimination to the immediate
supervisor of the alleged harasser/discriminator or the Office of Human Resources, the Office of the
Dean of Students or the Office of the Dean of the school, as appropriate. Upon notification of a
complaint, the supervisor/dean should contact the Office of Human Resources to assist with the review
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of the complaint and to take any appropriate actions. The supervisor will hear the complaint and should
respond verbally to the complainant as to the findings and outcome within ten business days of
notification of the complaint.
In some situations, mediation may be an appropriate option for resolution. Mediation is designed to
encourage each person to be honest and direct with the other and to accept personal responsibility
where appropriate. If the complainant is satisfied with the outcome, the matter will be considered
resolved. Incidents involving sexual violence will be addressed through Grievance Procedures outlined
in the College’s Sexual Misconduct Policy.
II. Formal Resolution. If step I does not resolve the situation to the satisfaction of the complainant or if
complainant prefers to proceed directly to the formal resolution option, the complainant should submit
a Formal Grievance Form or give a verbal statement documented by the individual receiving report
within five business days of receiving the response from the supervisor. The Formal Grievance Form is
available from the Office of Human Resources, the Office of the Dean of Students, or the Office of the
Dean of school or online at the Meredith web site (www.meredith.edu/humres/forms.htm).
Complainants may proceed directly to step II if so preferred and in cases of sexual violence. A
representative from the Office of Human Resources, the Dean of Students or the dean of the school (as
appropriate for complainant’s status) will assist with completion of forms or explanation of process as
requested.
The College will promptly and thoroughly investigate any allegation that has not been resolved
informally. Such investigation may involve review of documents, statements and/or interviews of the
complainant, the alleged harasser/s and any witnesses whom the investigator determines may have
relevant information. The alleged harasser and the complainant will each have access to provide
information to the investigator and will be provided full information about the allegation. Most
investigations will be completed within 30 business days. If an investigation cannot be completed in
that time, the investigator will communicate to the complainant and the alleged harasser that the
investigation will take longer and will advise when the investigation is anticipated to be complete. The
results of the conclusion of whether the policy has been violated will be reported to both parties.
Complaints regarding the director of human resources should be made to the vice president for business
and finance. Vice presidents of the college who wish to bring a complaint should communicate it to the
President of the College or the President’s designee; likewise, complaints about vice presidents should
be taken to the President of the College. When a complaint concerns a vice president, the President
shall direct the complaint to be investigated and provide a prompt response to the complainant.
Complaints about the President of the College should be communicated to the chairperson of the Board
of Trustees. In such a case, the trustees shall devise an appropriate procedure for handling the
complaint. Any individual who needs assistance initiating contact with the Board of Trustees may
contact the Office of Human Resources.
Complaints regarding vendors, contract workers, guests or others who may be visiting the campus
should be brought to the attention of the appropriate vice president or Office of Human Resources.
The College reserves the right to discipline, including immediate suspension or termination, of any
employee whose conduct about which Meredith becomes aware is regarded by Meredith to be a
violation of this policy. Any dismissal should be in keeping with the dismissal policy in the Faculty
Handbook.
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III. Appeals - Grievance Hearing Subcommittee. If the situation is still not resolved to the satisfaction of
the complainant after Step II, he or she may submit a Grievance Appeal Form to the Office of Human
Resources within five days of receiving the response to the Formal Grievance. The Grievance Appeal
Form is available from the Office of Human Resources, Office of the Dean of Students, and Office of the
Dean of the school or online at the Meredith web site (www.meredith.edu/humres/forms.htm). A
representative from The Office of Human Resources will notify the employee and all levels of supervisor
through to the vice president’s office that the grievance has progressed to this level. A representative
from the Office of Human Resources will assemble the grievance hearing subcommittee as outlined
below, ensuring that no member has a known conflict of interest.
The subcommittee will review the complaint, study all pertinent facts, carefully examine any policies
involved, and may take statements or call witnesses to evaluate the complaint. Both parties can propose
questions of witnesses to be asked through the committee in its discretion. Both parties have the option
of having another member of the Meredith community (current student, faculty or staff) not otherwise
involved in the matter present for moral support but not speaking during any discussions. The basis for a
decision will be based on a preponderance of the evidence, with the simple majority decision of the
subcommittee. The subcommittee may find that no discrimination or harassment has occurred or they
may find in whole or in part for the complainant and recommend action to remedy the situation. The
chair will prepare a written report within 30 business days with findings and recommendations to go to
the vice president.
The vice president then has the option to accept the recommendations of the committee, return the
case to the committee for further consideration, or reject the findings after reviewing the case. The vice
president will then prepare a letter to both parties within five days to notify them of the decision and
any actions to be taken. The decision of the vice president is final.
Grievance Subcommittee: At the time a complaint is received, the complainant will select one person
from the grievance committee (see below), and the Office of Human Resources will select four
individuals and one alternate to complete the subcommittee which will hear the complaint, ensuring no
member of the committee has a known conflict of interest. The subcommittee should include individuals
from each segment of the campus community represented by the concerned parties. For example, if the
complaint is from a student against a faculty member, HR should try to select two students
(undergraduate students or graduate students, depending upon the student’s enrollment in either an
undergraduate or graduate program) and two faculty members to hear the case; the student would
select either another student, or a faculty or staff member; and the alternate could be either a student,
faculty or staff member. The chair will be selected by committee vote.
A representative from the Office of Human Resources shall serve as an ex-officio, non-voting facilitator,
to provide technical assistance on procedural and policy matters. The subcommittee will receive
training on this policy on at the time they are convened to ensure they understand the policy and their
responsibilities as a member of the subcommittee
Grievance Committee: The grievance committee shall be composed of the Faculty Council, the Staff
Affairs Committee, six undergraduate students to be selected based on student positions appointed for
the year (Honor Council Chair, Student Life Chair, Residence Hall Association President, Association of
Meredith Commuters President, and Wings President), and one graduate student from each school with
graduate programs.
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-----------------------------------------Consensual Relationships
Meredith College strives to maintain a safe and intellectually stimulating environment where students
and employees can live, work and think without undue negative influences, concerns of favoritism,
intimidation, and/or hostile working or learning environments. To that end, consensual romantic,
intimate and/or sexual relationships are prohibited when they occur between faculty, staff and/or
students when a professional power differential exists in these situations in terms of the influence and
authority that the one can exercise over the other.
A “power differential” relationship is defined to include relations between a student and any faculty,
staff member or student who 1) now supervises or would have a reasonable or usual expectation of
supervising the student in the future; 2) now provides or would have a reasonable or usual expectation
of providing the student with oral or written recommendations; 3) now grades and/or formally
evaluates or would have a reasonable or usual expectation of grading and/or formally evaluating the
student in the future; and/or 4) now makes significant decisions, or would have a reasonable or usual
expectation of making significant decisions in the future affecting the student’s living space, financial
aid, and/or access to essential College programs and services.
The College strongly discourages faculty or staff from engaging in any consensual sexual, intimate or
romantic relationships with any student, even where a “power differential” is not present. Of course,
non-consensual sexual, intimate or romantic relationships are unlawful and strictly prohibited by College
policy.
Hazing
Meredith College does not permit hazing. The potential for hazing typically arises as part of a student’s
introduction to or initiation in an organization in which there is often a perceived or real power
differential between members of the organization and those newly joining it.
Hazing is defined as any
action taken or situation created, whether on or off university premises, that is harmful or potentially
harmful to an individual’s physical, emotional, or psychological well-being, regardless of an individual’s
willingness to participate or its bearing on his/her membership status. Acts of hazing may be reported to
the Office of the Dean of Students or Campus Police. A report of hazing committed by a Meredith
College student or a Meredith organization may be referred to the Meredith College Honor Council for
further action.
Health Related Issues
Sexually Transmitted Diseases STD testing is available and confidential at the Health Center. Students
may choose to be tested by the health center staff for a fee, or some STD testing is provided FREE to
students by a collaborative agreement with Wake County Human Services and the Meredith College
Health Center every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 12:00- 3:00 p.m. fall and spring semesters.
Communicable Diseases The College reserves the right to request that a student with a highly
communicable disease leave the campus immediately and remain away until she is medically no longer
deemed contagious to aid the welfare of the individual and protect transmission to other members of
the College community.
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The College attempts to respect the privacy of students in all health–related matters, except when
required by law.
Important Information about Meningococcal Disease and Vaccine
Neisseria meningitidis is the bacterium responsible for meningococcal disease. This particular bacterium
can live unnoticed in individuals (“carrier state”) with no symptoms. Occasionally, the bacteria will
invade the bloodstream or other body tissues and cause meningococcemia, meningitis, pneumonia or
pharyngitis (sore throat). Individuals who have had close, intimate contact with a “carrier” or with an
individual who has one of these illnesses may become infected with the bacteria also. Even if treated
promptly, meningococcal disease may progress rapidly and cause serious medical problems including
death.
Overall, college students do not seem to be at higher risk for meningococcal disease, and in fact have
lower rates of disease than the general populations of 18 to 24-year-olds.
However, freshmen, particularly those who live in residence halls, constitute a group at modestly
increased risk of meningococcal disease relative to other persons their age.
There are two vaccines against N. meningitidis available in the United States. Meningococcal
polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4 or Menomune®) has been approved by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and available since 1981. Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4 or Menactra™)
was licensed in 2005. Both vaccines can help to prevent 4 types of meningococcal disease (serogroup A,
C, Y, and W-135). Meningococcal vaccines cannot prevent all types of the disease (e.g. serotype B), but
they do help to protect many people who might become sick if they did not get the vaccine.
On May 27, 2005, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the CDC (ACIP) recommended
that all college freshmen living in residence halls be vaccinated against meningococcal disease using
either of the currently available vaccines (the conjugate vaccine is preferred). Other undergraduate
students wishing to reduce their risk of meningococcal disease can also choose to be vaccinated.
The American College Health Association concurs with the ACIP recommendations. NC Session Law
2003-194, HB 825 requires that any private or public institution that offers postsecondary degrees
“provide meningococcal disease information to students if the institution has a residential campus.”
Meredith students who decide to get the meningococcal vaccine should get it from their family
physician or local health department. The vaccine is also available at Wake County Health and Human
Services. For more information on Meningococcal Disease, please go to the CDC website at
www.cdc.gov/meningitis/index.htm.
Imprinted Items Policy for Student Organizations
Designs for student organization and class T-shirts, sweatshirts and other imprinted items must be
approved through a process established by the Office of Student Leadership and Service and the
Department of Marketing. Information regarding design approvals can be found in the Sale of Items
section on the Office of Student Leadership and Service MyMeredith site.
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Intellectual Property Policy
I. Introduction
Meredith College (the “College”) is dedicated to teaching and scholarship. In these pursuits, intellectual
property is often created by members of the College community. The purposes of this intellectual
property policy are to establish means for allocating ownership of such intellectual property and any
revenues obtained on account of the commercialization of such intellectual property in compliance with
applicable law and agreements and to provide guidance respecting the protection and enforcement of
the College’s intellectual property rights and the resolution of disputes that may arise from time to time.
This intellectual property policy applies to all College employees, students and independent contractors
as well as anyone else using College facilities and resources under the supervision of or with the
permission of College personnel. The universe of intellectual property is as boundless as the collective
imagination of humankind. This intellectual property policy is concerned chiefly with works of original
authorship and inventions created by covered individuals acting alone or with collaborators, whether all
collaborators are members of the College community or not.
II. Definitions
As used in this intellectual property policy, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:
A. “College facilities and resources” means funds, work space, equipment and supplies, library
collections, release time and administrative and technical support owned or provided by Meredith
College.
B. “Covered individual” means any employee, independent contractor, student and anyone else using
College facilities and resources for work or study under the supervision or with the permission of
Meredith College personnel, including, without limitation, volunteers.
C. “Employee” means all faculty including full-time, part-time, adjunct and visiting teaching and
administrative faculty; all staff; and all students who are employed by the College.
D. “Faculty” means the President, the Vice Presidents, all teaching faculty and such other persons as
may be so designated by the President and approved by the Executive Committee.
E. “Funded invention” means an invention funded in whole or in part by third-party grants or
sponsorships awarded to the College or administered by the College on behalf of the grantee.
F. “Funding agreement” (also “sponsorship agreement”) means a written agreement whereby an
individual or entity provides monetary support for the creation of a work or conception of an invention
by a covered individual.
G. “Independent contractor” means a person or entity retained by Meredith College to perform certain
duties under the terms of a written professional services or vendor agreement.
H. “Invention” means, collectively, any new, useful and nonobvious process, machine or composition of
matter and any new or useful improvement thereto conceived by one or more individuals.
Notwithstanding its status as a literary work under the Copyright Act, computer software may in some
instances also be regarded as an invention.
I. “Net revenues” means all revenues attributable to the exploitation of a work or invention (i.e., gross
revenues) less any deductions or overhead expenses agreed in writing between or among the applicable
parties.
J. “Original work of authorship” means any literary, musical, dramatic, choreographic, artistic,
audiovisual or architectural work that owes its creation to the independent effort of an author.
K. “Royalty” means a periodic payment made by an assignee or licensee of one or more intellectual
property rights to the owner or licensor of such intellectual property rights pursuant to a written
agreement respecting the commercialization of a work or invention.
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L. “Staff” shall mean all Meredith College employees other than teaching faculty and administrative
faculty.
M. “Student” shall mean any individual who registers for any course through the Meredith College
Registrar’s Office or the Graduate and Professional Studies Program Office.
N. “Substantial use of College facilities and resources” shall mean requires resources of a degree or
nature not routinely made available to all faculty.
O. “Work made for hire” as it relates to copyrightable works of original authorship shall mean either (i) a
work prepared by a Meredith College employee within the scope of his or her employment or (ii) a work
specially commissioned by Meredith College under the terms of a written agreement which fits one of
nine categories specifically enumerated in the Copyright Act.
III. Copyrights
A. Works by Faculty
Generally, it is fairly simple to determine who owns a copyright under the law. Copyright typically vests
in the author or authors of a protectable work. Where a work is created by an author within the scope
of his or her employment, however, copyright vests in the employer because under the law the
employer is the author, and the work is a so-called work for hire. In the academic setting courts have
frequently recognized a so-called teacher, or academic, exception, which presents a perpetual
conundrum. Even when faculty create works within the scope of their employment, this teacher
exception operates to allocate the ownership of any resulting copyright, not to the employing
institution, but to the author. This is not a provision of the copyright statute, and some courts have
declined to follow it. Under the terms of this policy, for clarity and in keeping with the value the College
places on scholarship and teaching, the College recognizes the teacher exception. Unless otherwise
provided in a writing, the copyright in a work of original authorship created by a member of the faculty,
whether working alone or in collaboration with others (be they covered individuals or not) is allocated
to the author or authors without implicating the work-made-for hire rules, which might otherwise
pertain. As consideration the College requires that faculty members benefiting from the teacher
exception grant back to the College a nonexclusive right to use their works for educational purposes
identified by the College in its sole discretion. When the College specially commissions a member of the
faculty to create a work of original authorship which does not fall within the scope of that faculty
member’s employment but does fit within one or more of nine categories specifically enumerated in the
Copyright Act, that work may be deemed a work made for hire if and only if the College and faculty
author sign a written agreement to that effect. If such an agreement is signed, the College becomes the
owner of copyright. The College in its sole discretion may require that such an agreement be signed
prior to commissioning the work. Where a member of the faculty enters into collaboration with another
covered individual, including a student, or with someone who is not a member of the College
community, with the intention that the parties’ contributions be merged to create a joint work, each
author owns a fractional interest in the copyright in the entire work. In other words, if there are two
authors, each one owns a one-half interest in the entire copyright and not simply an interest in the
copyright in his or her individual contribution to the work. Each author may enter into nonexclusive
licensing agreements respecting the joint work, provided he or she renders an accounting of revenues
earned to each coauthor. When joint authorship with a student or an individual who is not a member of
the College community is contemplated, this intellectual property policy requires the signing of a written
acknowledgment of the collaboration by each participant as a condition of participation in the
collaboration. The Office of the Provost will provide appropriate form agreements for execution by the
parties.
B. Works by Staff
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Pursuant to the work-made-for-hire doctrine of U.S. copyright law, the College is regarded as the author
and owner of copyright in all works of original authorship created by staff, including administrators with
faculty status when acting in their administrative (nonteaching) roles.
C. Works by Students
Students are presumed to own the copyrights in their individual works of original authorship except
when such works are the product of a student’s College employment. In that event, the work-made-forhire rules apply. In the case of joint works created by two or more students as part of a collective class
project, any resulting copyrights shall be assigned in writing by each student to the College as a
condition precedent to participating in the project. The College requires that students grant to the
College a nonexclusive right to use their works for educational purposes identified by the College in its
sole discretion.
D. Works by Independent Contractors and Others
Absent written assignment of copyright to the College, independent contractors, volunteers and visitors
who are specifically commissioned by the College to create works of original authorship own the
copyrights in such works. Typically, the College will require a written assignment of copyright in such
cases.
E. Registration of Copyrights
The College has the right, but not the obligation, to register its copyrights in its own name in the U.S.
Copyright Office. In the case of works of original authorship in which the College is not the owner of
copyrights, the College encourages, but does not require, the author or authors to register the
applicable copyrights in the U.S. Copyright Office. Federal courts are generally barred from exercising
jurisdiction in disputes involving unregistered copyrights.
F. Exceptional Circumstances
The foregoing allocation of copyrights notwithstanding, under certain exceptional circumstances, the
College may claim copyright in works of original authorship created by faculty and/or students, that is,
works that do not come within the purview of the work-made-for hire doctrine. From time to time
works of original authorship are funded by third-party grants or sponsorships awarded to the College or
administered by the College on behalf of the grantee. Where a funding or sponsorship agreement
stipulates that the College will be the owner of any resulting intellectual property rights, the affected
author will execute a written assignment of his or her intellectual property rights in the work to the
College as a condition for the release of funds or other resources. From time to time, the development
of works of original authorship by faculty and/or students requires an extraordinary allocation of College
facilities and/or resources. An extraordinary allocation is defined as an allocation exceeding what is
normally provided to faculty members generally in the preparation of course materials, to be
determined by the College. As consideration for granting a request for an extraordinary allocation of
College facilities and/or resources, the College may require the author to assign his or her intellectual
property rights in the work to the College as a condition for permission to use the facilities and/or
resources. The College understands that adjunct and visiting faculty may be subject to conflicting
intellectual property policies that restrict the College’s claims of ownership in their works of original
authorship. Such conflicts will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Provost.
G. Permitted Uses of Works of Original Authorship by the College
The College is the owner of all right, title and interest, including, without limitation, copyright, in all
works made for hire and may exercise all of the exclusive rights granted to such owners by the Copyright
23
Act. In addition, the College is the owner of those rights assigned to it and may exercise all such rights
without seeking permission of the authors. The College may make any use of any works of original
authorship pursuant to any of the exemptions set forth in the Copyright Act.
IV. Patents
There are multiple distinctions between the doctrines of copyright and patent. Originality and creativity
are the hallmarks of a copyrightable work of original authorship. Neither novelty nor utility is a
prerequisite. Patentability, by contrast, requires both novelty and utility. A work of original authorship
only becomes copyrightable when it is expressed in a tangible medium, while the elements of an
invention must be articulated but need not be rendered—and in some cases cannot be rendered—in
concrete form. An individual or organization can qualify as an author. Only individuals working alone or
in collaboration with others can qualify as inventors; organizations cannot. Understandably then the
concept of a work made for hire, which is a critical in the realm of U.S. copyright, does not exist in the
realm of patent law.
A. Inventions
The College encourages its faculty and staff to engage in the types of innovative activity that could lead
to inventions and respects the ownership rights that arise from such activity. Therefore, other than in
exceptional circumstances (discussed below), the College does not seek to challenge those rights and
regards each invention as the property of the covered individual(s) who can be properly regarded as
inventors. Each covered individual acknowledges, however, that when an invention has been developed
using College facilities and resources, the College typically obtains what is known as a “shop right,”
which provides the College with limited, nonexclusive rights to use the invention. The College shall not
exercise any shop right, however, before (a) the filing of a patent application by the inventor or his or
her attorney or agent or (b) receipt of written confirmation from the inventor that patent protection will
not be sought. So that patent rights are not inadvertently forfeited, inventors who are members of the
College community and their collaborators, if any, must refrain from commercializing and publishing
inventions without, first, disclosing the invention in confidentiality to the Provost; and second, obtaining
counsel from a patent attorney or agent who is registered with the United States Patent and Trademark
Office (the “PTO”). If the invention is owned by one or more covered individuals and not by the College,
then the covered individual(s) can decide whether to seek patent protection. The cost of seeking such
protection will be borne by each inventor. Confidential disclosure of all inventions conceived by College
employees is required under this policy. The Provost will provide confidential disclosure forms for this
purpose.
B. Exceptional Circumstances Where funding or sponsorship agreements stipulate that the College will
be the owner of any intellectual property rights relating to inventions conceived and reduced to practice
by employees, each inventor shall irrevocably assign his or her rights in the funded invention to the
College as a condition for the release of funds or other resources. From time to time thereafter, the
inventor may be required by the College to execute additional instruments as the College deems
necessary for the filing or prosecution by the College of any and all patent applications directed to the
funded invention through to a final action on each such application by the PTO. Ultimately, the College
in its sole discretion shall decide whether to seek patent protection, and the College shall be solely
responsible for the costs of doing so. In accordance with U.S. patent law, any issued U.S. patent covering
a funded invention shall name the original inventor(s) despite patent ownership by the College. In
addition, as in the case of works of original authorship developed with the assistance of extraordinary
allocations of College facilities and/or resources, the College may require each inventor to assign his or
her intellectual property rights in the invention to the College as a condition for permission to use such
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facilities and/or resources. For example, providing a faculty member with his or her own dedicated lab
space or extended IT support from a staff member would be considered substantial use of College
resources. However, ordinary use of computers or library resources or use of a departmental lab space
that is available to all department members would not be considered use of substantial resources.
V. Distribution of Revenues
In the absence of any other agreement, Meredith College will share the net revenues it receives from an
invention owned by or assigned to the College with the employee(s) who developed the property. The
formula is:
Net Revenue for
Entire Invention
First $20,000
$20,001-$75,000
Over $75,001
Employee(s)
100%
50%
50%
Academic School
Budget
0
15%
10%
Appropriate Vice
President Budget
0
15%
10%
Meredith College
General Fund
0
20%
30%
A. If the employee is not associated with an academic school then the academic school revenue share
will be allocated to the division. B. The academic school share may be used for equipment purchases,
research and instructional activities, and other purposes approved by the Provost, but it may not be
used to create or support regular faculty or staff positions. C. Where covered individuals enter into
collaboration across academic schools or college divisions, allocations to schools and vice presidents will
be made in equal shares.
VI. Trademarks and Service Marks
From time to time, the College may claim ownership of certain registered or unregistered trademarks
and service marks. Such marks are for the exclusive use of the College in connection with the goods and
services, among others, identified in federal and state registrations and pending federal applications. It
is a violation of this policy for any member of the College community to make use of such marks without
the express authorization of the Provost.
A. Allegations of Infringement From time to time members of the College community or others might
claim that a work of original authorship or invention owned by the College by assignment infringes a
third-party’s rights. Conversely, a member of the College community might from time to time become
aware that a third party is infringing the College’s rights in a work or invention. In either case, it is
important that all College parties with an interest in the matter notify the Provost of any such claims of
infringement so that appropriate action can be initiated. The College has the right, but not the
obligation, to take action to stop third parties from infringing its intellectual property right. If the College
elects to do so, all damages, costs or other amounts recovered by the College as a result of any such
action shall be the sole property of the College.
VII. Miscellaneous
The President, or the Provost, if so delegated, has the authority to administer and enforce this policy. If
a dispute arises between a covered individual and the College, between two or more covered individuals
or between a covered individual and a collaborator who is not a member of the College community,
such dispute will be referred to the Provost.
VIII. Effective Date
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This policy will be effective as of July 1, 2009. Any instances for which the Provost has been provided
confidential disclosure prior to that date will not be subject to the terms of this policy unless negotiated
by a separate agreement.
(Approved by Faculty Council on May 7, 2009)
Intra-Campus Mail Service
Intra-Campus Mail Services are provided for the convenience of Meredith students and organizations.
Only Meredith organizations may use the intra-campus mail distribution. All student organizations must
secure approval from the Office of Student Leadership and Service to use Meredith campus mail (Post
Office) and commuter mail pockets for information distribution.
Jurisdiction of the College
Students are expected to maintain at all times a high standard of personal conduct in keeping with
Meredith principles. The College reserves the right to exclude, suspend or expel at any time any student
whose academic standing or conduct is regarded by Meredith as undesirable or unacceptable.
Lake
Use of the lake area after sunset is discouraged for security reasons. Swimming in the lake is prohibited.
Sunbathing is prohibited in this area. Any visitor to the lake must be accompanied by student, staff or
faculty in possession of a valid CamCard. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed near the lake at any
time.
Medical Amnesty Policy
Student health and safety are of primary importance to the Meredith College community. The essence
of the Medical Amnesty policy is that each individual has an ethical responsibility to help those in need.
The Medical Amnesty policy encourages students to seek or request immediate medical assistance for
themselves or others when there is concern about extreme intoxication, alcohol poisoning and/or
sexual misconduct that threatens a student’s health and safety. When a student requests medical
assistance (for herself or another student) because she or another student has consumed too much
alcohol, or is at risk of being a victim of sexual misconduct, neither student will be subject to Honor
Council action for the consumption. This policy does not preclude Honor Council actions regarding
other violations of College policies and does not protect the intoxicated students from actions taken by
local, state or federal authorities. When seeking immediate medical attention, contact 911 (or 9-911
from a campus phone), then call Campus Police at 919-760-8888 (or ext. 8888 from campus phone).
First responders will assess the need for next steps in medical attention, treatment or hospitalization.
Campus Police will report the name of the student needing medical attention and any students
witnessing the incident to the Office of the Dean of Students for any follow-up deemed necessary by the
College.
In lieu of disciplinary action and following the receipt of the report in the Office of the Dean of Students,
the following procedures will be followed under the Medical Amnesty policy:

Any student listed in the Campus Police report will be required to meet with the Dean of
Students to discuss the incident. The Dean of Students will contact each student to schedule a
meeting within a few days of the incident.
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
Following the meeting with the Dean of Students, the student requiring medical attention must
meet with the Director of the Counseling Center or a designee for an informal alcohol
assessment. The student must complete the assessment and any resulting treatment
recommendations by a deadline specified by the Dean of Students in consultation with the
Director of the Counseling Center or a designee.

The student meeting with the Director of the Counseling Center will be required to sign a
release allowing the Director of the Counseling Center or a designee to communicate with the
Dean of Students. The release will be limited as to protect the student’s confidentiality as much
as possible. The student will be asked to give permission for the on-campus counselor to
disclose whether or not the assessment and any resulting treatment recommendations have
been completed.

Failure of a student to attend the follow-up meeting with the Dean of Students or complete the
assessment or resulting treatment recommendations by the Counseling Center may result in a
referral of the student to Honor Council for further action.
Meredith Seal and Wordmark
The Department of Marketing oversees the College’s Graphic Identity Program and maintains a style
guide that provides specific information on proper use of the visual identity elements.
Meredith’s seal is the official symbol of the College and should be used formally on College-wide event
programs, documents, diplomas, certificates, and programs for official functions (convocations or
commencement). The seal was designed in 1909 by Ida Poteat, professor of art, 1899-1940. Below the
band running diagonally across the shield are pines symbolizing the State of North Carolina. The lighted
torch illustrates Meredith’s motto, the single word LUX, meaning light—the light of the mind and the
light of the soul.
The Meredith College wordmark, redesigned in 1993 by the Marketing design staff, is the official
identifier for the College. It should be used as designed and always should be reproduced from
authorized art work, which is available in the Department of Marketing. The wordmark and the seal may
be printed in either black or PANTONE 1955 maroon. Use of departmental or other individualized logos
is prohibited. Incorporating this wordmark, the College has adopted exact specifications for letterhead,
envelopes, business cards, and other components of Meredith’s official stationery program.
See the Department of Marketing website for more information.
Off-Campus Events
All college policies as stated in the Meredith Student Handbook shall be followed at all off-campus
events sponsored by Meredith. Meredith students are expected to represent the College with dignity at
all times. An “off-campus, College-sponsored function” is any event or activity held off of campus
grounds that is organized and hosted by Meredith College or a recognized campus organization(s).
“College-sponsored” means that Meredith College is aware of and has approved the event or activity.
“Recognized campus organization(s)” refers only to those listed in the Student Organizations section of
the Student Handbook.

Students shall not possess or consume alcoholic beverages at any College-sponsored function.
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
Students shall not demonstrate inappropriate behavior at any College-sponsored function.
Inappropriate behavior is any behavior by any person present at a College-sponsored function
reflecting negatively upon Meredith College or resulting in an unreasonable risk or harm to that
person or others. That person will be asked to leave a function if she/he demonstrates
inappropriate behavior such as fighting, shoving, disruption of others’ enjoyment, getting sick
publicly, passing out, or wearing inappropriate dress.

Meredith students shall not possess or consume illegal drugs at any College-sponsored function.

Meredith students shall be responsible for informing their guests attending off-campus
functions of College policies to be followed.

Anyone violating these policies will be brought before Honor Council.
Procedures to be followed for off-campus, College-sponsored functions

The Adviser to the group sponsoring an off-campus event shall be notified as to the time, place,
date, and nature of the event. The organization Adviser or a substitute from the Meredith
faculty or staff must attend the following: any event that is held outside of Wake County, any
major off-campus event held locally by an organization or any high risk event (i.e. horseback
riding, ropes course, etc.) and any event or activity that uses the Meredith College mini-buses. In
the case that there is not an Adviser, the director of student leadership and service shall be
notified.

Organizations are asked to get prior approval for these events from the Office of Student
Leadership and Service.

The Meredith Campus Police Office shall be notified as to the time, place, date, and nature of
off- campus social events.

Meredith College security officers shall be hired by the sponsoring organization to attend each
off-campus, College-sponsored dance or other social functions requiring them. The purpose of
hiring the security officers shall be to aid the sponsoring organization in its responsibility to
maintain order and prevent inappropriate behavior. Any person exhibiting inappropriate
behavior shall be asked to leave the function immediately. However, if by leaving the person
presents a clear danger to her/himself or others, the sponsoring organizations may take
reasonable steps to insure that the person is safely transported from the function, including, but
not limited to, calling the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Additional security shall be hired by the organization sponsoring the event if required to do so
by the management of the off-campus building or area being used.

Some events require release forms, which can be picked up in the Office of Student Leadership
and Service.
Off-Campus Responsibility
Meredith College assumes no liability for any student when that student is off the Meredith College
campus. Each student is personally responsible for her own safety, her own actions, and the results of
her own decisions.
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Performances
All public performances will be discussed in advance with the member of the faculty or administration
sponsoring or advising the organization.
Publications
See Student Opportunities.
Publicity and Advertising
See Student Services.
Reservations for Space for Unofficial Meredith Groups
Groups of Meredith students who are not recognized as official groups at Meredith have the
opportunity to reserve space at Meredith College from 9–11 p.m. on weekdays and at other times
during the weekend. Groups with a religious affiliation must see the campus chaplain, and other groups
must see the director of student leadership and service for approval to be placed on the list. Students in
the requesting group would be allowed to contact the campus events office to be able to reserve space.
Space can only be reserved on a week-to-week basis and on a first-come, first-served basis.
Residence Hall Regulations
Residence hall students also are responsible for abiding by rules and policies governing the residence
halls. These rules and policies are listed in the Residence Life section of this Handbook.
Residence Requirement
Campus residence halls are living/learning environments that provide supportive communities for
student development. Traditional-aged students are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity
for building friendships, developing interpersonal and communications skills, and participating in
programs and activities that are all part of the residential living experience.
1. Freshman and sophomore students under the age of 23 must live in the residence halls or reside with
their parents, husbands, or (with special permission) another close relative. Freshman and transfer
students who enter the College over the age of 21 may apply to live off campus. Housing contracts are
for the entire academic year.
2. Continuing juniors and seniors with at least a 2.0 GPA may request to live off campus by a designated
deadline in the spring semester. Along with at least a 2.0 GPA, students must have at least 60 hours or
have resided four semesters in the residence halls. Transfer students who meet established eligibility
requirements as stated on the transfer application for admission may apply as commuting students
under the off-campus housing option. Requests are available in the Office of Residence Life.
3. Campus housing is available to undergraduate degree-seeking students, including students in the
Wings program.
4. Resident students must be enrolled as full-time (at least 12 hours) students while living in the halls. If
a student drops below full-time, she will not be eligible to live on campus unless approved by the dean
of students.
29
5. Students interested in housing during the summer terms must check with the Office of Residence Life
for housing options and stipulations.
6. The cost of health services and meals in the dining hall is included in the payment for room and board.
Students who live off campus must pay a health fee in order to receive services from the Health Center.
Students who live off campus must pay for any meals eaten in the dining hall.
7. Students who do not meet the requirements to live off campus but choose to do so can be charged
the full amount of room and board for the academic year.
8. Residential policies will be reviewed annually.
Returned Checks
There is a $35 service fee for each returned check. Returned checks are automatically redeposited
before they are charged to the student. In cases in which two checks have been returned, check cashing
privileges are suspended.
Request to Return to Campus Following Mental Health or Medical
Evaluation/Hospitalization
Returning to campus following a mental health or medical evaluation or hospitalization off-campus is
contingent upon the mental health/medical condition being sufficiently resolved or managed
successfully. While off-campus, students are expected to seek necessary or appropriate medical
attention and to document the steps taken and progress made toward resolving or managing the mental
health/medical condition. Students returning to campus will be required to provide written
documentation that verifies they are ready to return to a rigorous academic and living environment and
describe treatment and/or discharge plans signed by the medical clinician who provided services to the
student. Decisions about returning to campus are made by the Dean of Students in consultation with
appropriate on-campus professionals. At any time, the College may contact parents/family of the
student and any appropriate College officials about the student’s status. If a student withdraws or takes
a leave of absence from the College, the student must comply with these requirements before resuming
enrollment.
Mental Health Evaluation or Hospitalization
Any student who harms or threatens to harm herself or another will be referred immediately to an offcampus mental health facility for assessment. Prior to returning to campus, the student must be
assessed off campus by a licensed mental health professional and deemed safe to return to campus. It is
the student’s responsibility to facilitate communication between the off-campus mental health
professional(s) and the college counseling center. The student will need to sign a release of information
authorization form requesting the off-campus provider share information with the Meredith College
Counseling Center. The Meredith College counselor will review the outside mental health assessment
coupled with an in-person session with the student (within normal hours of operation) to provide a
recommendation to the Dean of Students about the student’s readiness to return to campus.
Physical Evaluation or Hospitalization
Treatment for a serious physical injury or condition that prevents a student from returning to an
academically rigorous campus environment will be referred immediately to an off-campus specialist or
hospital. Serious injury, illness, or condition may include the following but is not limited to:
30



prolonged hospitalization (longer than one week)
unstable chronic illness
contagious infection that has potential to affect the larger community; i.e. measles, tuberculosis
Depending on the physical illness or injury and prior to returning to campus, the College requires the
student to be assessed off campus by a licensed health professional and deemed able to return to
campus. It is the student’s responsibility to facilitate communication between the off-campus health
professional(s) and the college health center. The student will need to sign a release of information
authorization form requesting the off-campus provider share information with the Meredith College
Health Center. The Meredith College Health Center will review the outside health assessment coupled
with an in-person session with the student to provide a recommendation to the Dean of Students about
the student’s readiness to return to campus.
Decision about Student’s Return to Campus
The Dean of Students will consider the recommendation from the Health Center or Counseling Center
and make a decision regarding the student’s return to campus. The College reserves the right to request
an opinion from another healthcare provider to determine the student’s fitness to return to campus.
The Dean of Students may consult with the Health Center or Counseling Center staff as necessary. The
Dean of Students will communicate the decision to the Health Center or the Counseling Center who will
convey the decision to the student.
A student may appeal any denial of return to campus by submitting a written statement regarding the
grounds for appeal to the Vice President for College Programs within five (5) business days of the
decision by the Dean of Students. A decision will be made within five (5) business days of the appeal and
communicated in writing to the student. The Vice President for College Programs may consult with any
appropriate members of an advisory committee. These Advisers will include appropriate College officials
(for example, an academic dean, Director of Residence Life, Director of Health Services, Director of
Counseling Center, Assistant Dean of Students, Campus Police and/or the Provost). The decision by the
Vice President for College Programs shall be final.
Sexual Misconduct and Title IX
Meredith College is committed to providing a safe and positive living, learning and working
environment. Members of the campus community are expected to treat others with integrity and
respect and to take responsibility for their actions. Meredith College will not tolerate sexual misconduct
including, but not limited to, non-consensual sexual intercourse, non-consensual sexual contact, sexual
exploitation, sexual harassment, sexual coercion, relationship violence, and stalking. Sexual misconduct
can be committed by men or women, and it can occur between persons of the same or different gender.
Acts of sexual misconduct are forms of sex discrimination prohibited by College policy and Title IX.
As a recipient of federal funds, Meredith College complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of
1972. Title IX provides: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational
program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Scope and Jurisdiction: This policy applies to all members of the Meredith College community, including
anyone involved in a Meredith program or activity such as its students, employees, visitors, vendors,
campus visitors, and independent contractors. All campus community members are responsible for their
31
actions and behavior, whether the conduct in question occurs on campus or in another location.
Members of the campus community have a responsibility to adhere to College policies and local, state
and federal law.
This policy applies to conduct occurring on Meredith’s campus or off campus in the context of Meredith
College employment or educational activities or programs including study abroad and internship
programs. Other off campus actions including on-line or electronic activities that have an adverse effect
on campus or off campus Meredith activities or programs may be subject to this policy. In determining
whether the College has jurisdiction over off- campus conduct that is not a part of a College educational
activity or program, the College will look at how serious the conduct is, the risk of harm, whether both
parties involved are members of the College community, and whether the alleged action is part of a
series of actions that occurred on and off campus. In situations in which both the complainant and the
respondent are members of the Meredith College community, this policy will apply regardless of the
location of the incident. In particular, off-campus conduct that is likely to have an actual or potential
adverse impact on, or poses a threat or danger to, any member of the campus community or the College
is within the scope of this policy.
Although there is no strict geographic limitation to the scope of this policy, sexual misconduct that is
alleged to have occurred at a significant distance from the College may be more difficult to investigate.
Complaints brought by those who are not members of the College community will be handled according
to all procedures in this policy. Even when an action complained of is not within the scope of this policy,
the College will offer resources to College community members to assist them. Individuals are
encouraged to report misconduct regardless of where the incident occurred, or who committed it. Even
if the College does not have jurisdiction over the respondent, the College will take prompt action to
provide for the safety and well-being of the complainant and the broader campus community, to the
extent possible.
Reporting: If you believe you or someone you know has experienced sexual misconduct, you should
promptly report incidents to the Meredith Title IX Coordinator, Pam Davis, Director of Human
Resources, at davispam@meredith.edu or at 919-760-8760. For incidents involving students, contact
the Meredith Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Ann Gleason, Dean of Students, at gleasona@meredith.edu or
at 919-760-8521. As soon as Meredith College employees (including faculty, staff and residence life staff
members) become aware of an incident of sexual misconduct that occurred on or off campus that may
jeopardize the safety or well-being of a member of the campus community, they must report this
information to Pam Davis, Title IX Coordinator, or to Ann Gleason, Dean of Students. No employee is
authorized to investigate or resolve complaints of sexual misconduct without the involvement of the
Title IX Coordinator or the Dean of Students. If you are unsure about what constitutes sexual
misconduct at Meredith College, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Deputy Title IX
Coordinator.
All persons are encourages to make a report of any incident regardless of the location or time it
occurred and to seek assistance from campus or community resources. The Title IX Coordinator or
Deputy Title IX Coordinator will assess the incident at issue, any risk of harm to the parties or others
including the broader campus community, any preferred course of action of the complainant, and any
necessary and appropriate interim protective measures.
32
At the time of reporting, the complainant does not have to decide about which particular process or
option to pursue. The decision on how to proceed can occur over time and, throughout that process,
the College will provide resources and support regardless of what decision is made or if one has been
made.
In accordance with Meredith College’s medical amnesty policy, a student who reports sexual misconduct
will not be subject to Honor Council or disciplinary proceedings for her/his own personal consumption
or possession of alcohol at or near the time of the incident, provided that actions did not place the
health or safety of any other person at risk or violate additional College policies.
Instances of sexual misconduct may violate both the College’s sexual misconduct policy and the law.
Meredith College strongly encourages complainants to pursue their complaints through both the
Meredith College reporting process for sexual misconduct and through the criminal justice system.
Campus Police at Meredith College may be reached at 919-760-8888 to provide information about the
off-campus criminal reporting process. The off-campus criminal investigation is independent from any
investigation that is reported to Meredith College officials under this policy. Regardless of whether a
complainant decides to pursue a criminal investigation, Meredith College will take immediate steps to
investigate the complaint, protect the complainant, and to ensure safety of the campus community. If a
criminal complaint is filed in addition to a complaint reported to Meredith College, the College will
continue implementing its procedures and protections regardless of the timeline or outcome of the
criminal procedures.
Upon request of the complainant, sexual misconduct committed by a student from another campus can
be referred by the Dean of Students or Campus Police to that student’s campus for judicial action.
Anonymous reports of sexual misconduct may also be submitted online on the form located on the
College’s Title IX web page at www.meredith.edu/title-ix
In addition to reporting to on-campus resources and off-campus law enforcement officials, a
complainant also has the option of filing a complaint at any time with the United States Department of
Education (Office of Civil Rights). The Office of Civil Rights for North Carolina is located at U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1475; telephone: 2020453-6020; email: OCR.DC@ed.gov
Confidential Resources: While all persons receiving a report of sexual misconduct understand the desire
to keep information confidential, maintaining confidentiality is not always possible. The only individuals
at Meredith College permitted to maintain confidentiality except with the individual’s express
permission are licensed counselors in the Counseling Center (919-760-8427), the campus Chaplain (919760-8346), and the medical and nursing staff in Meredith College Health Services (919-760-8535) (unless
there is a continuing threat of serious harm to the patient or client or there is a legal obligation to reveal
the information such as harm to a minor). These resources may be consulted at any time, including
prior to making an official report to the College or to off-campus law enforcement officials.
To the extent possible, the College will respect an individual’s request for confidentiality; however, the
request for confidentiality will be weighed against the College’s obligation to act on information it has
received in order to provide a safe campus environment.
33
Privacy: In addressing any report under the Policy, the College will make every effort to respect privacy
interests of all persons involved while assessing the allegation and taking any steps to prevent the
conduct, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. Confidential resources are able to share
information only with the individual’s express permission. All other employees will share information on
a “need to know” basis to investigate and resolve matters. Parents will usually not be contacted unless
the party is a minor and permitted by FERPA, a FERPA waiver is obtained, there is a threat to a minor, or
if there is express permission.
The Title IX Coordinator maintains reports of incidents to track systemic issues in order to address them.
Clery Act and Timely Warning: At any time that a serious or continuing threat to students or employees
exists, the College will issue timely notification and warning to the campus community. This notification
required by the Clery Act will not include identifying information about the reporting party. Pursuant to
the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Act, anonymous statistics regarding reported criminal
incidents must be shared with the Campus Police department for inclusion in the daily crime log and in
the College’s Annual Security Report. This information will include anonymous aggregate data.
Assistance and support: Meredith College recognizes the importance of assisting a member of the
Meredith College community who is impacted by sexual violence. In this respect, several College
departments coordinate efforts to offer services and Meredith College strongly urges anyone who has
been impacted by sexual violence to:

Seek immediate medical assistance: If you are in Wake County, contact the Solace Center as
soon as possible to receive a forensic evidence exam by a trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
(within 120 hours or five days of the assault). This exam is free, and a Raleigh Police officer will
respond to begin an investigation. Forensic evidence may assist a complainant in pursuit of a
criminal investigation. If the complainant is unsure about pressing charges, she/he can receive
an anonymous exam, giving the complainant up to one year to decide about next steps in the
criminal justice process. If outside of Wake County, complainants are encouraged to go to the
nearest emergency room. If you have injuries that require immediate medical attention, beyond
the injuries sustained through sexual assault, go to the nearest emergency room.
Immediate resources for support and response: Meredith College Campus Police, 919-7608888; Solace Center, 919-828-3067; Interact’s 24-hour Rape Crisis Line, 919-828-3005; Meredith
College Health Services, 919-760-8535.
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Seek on-campus crisis support: Call the Meredith College counselor on call through Campus
Police at 919-760-8888. For confidential on-campus counseling, resources and information,
contact the Counseling Center, Chaplain, or Health Services. These offices guarantee
confidentiality.
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Gather information about filing a complaint, campus policies, rights, reporting and resources:
Contact the Title IX Coordinator, Pam Davis, or Dean of Students Ann Gleason.
Interim protective actions
When the College receives a report under this policy, the Title IX coordinator and other appropriate
College personnel will take reasonable and appropriate interim protective measures necessary to
protect the safety of the parties or witnesses involved. These interim or temporary options or actions
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ensure the safety of all individuals involved and the fairness of the investigation process; they are not
decisions about responsibility and may be changed as additional information is gathered.
Interim actions include these options: access to counseling and assistance in setting up an initial
appointment; request a rearrangement of class schedule or living space; arrange for the complainant to
have additional time to complete a course or re-take/withdraw from a class without academic or
financial penalty; impose a no-contact order; provide an escort between classes and educational
activities; changes in a class schedule; provide academic support services such as tutoring
Definitions
Complainant: The individual who has experienced alleged sexual misconduct.
Respondent: The individual who has been accused of committing sexual misconduct.
Bystanders: Persons who observe possible sexual misconduct and have the opportunity to intervene.
Bystanders may report possible sexual misconduct (see “Reporting”) and faculty and staff who observe
sexual misconduct are required to report.
Confidential resources: Individuals permitted to guarantee confidentiality. Included are licensed
counselors in the Counseling Center (919-760-8427), the campus Chaplain (919-760-8346), and the
medical and nursing staff in Meredith College Health Services (919-760-8535).
Responsible employees: Meredith College faculty and staff, including residence life staff, including
resident assistants, who are not specifically designated as confidential resources.
Consent: Words or actions that demonstrate a knowing or voluntary willingness to engage in mutuallyagreed-upon sexual activity. Consent cannot be gained by force, by ignoring objections, or by taking
advantage of another's incapacitation. Consent may not be inferred from silence or any other lack of
active resistance. It may not be implied by attire or inferred from an individual by spending money on
that individual (e.g., buying a meal on a date). Prior consent does not imply consent to future sexual
acts. In addition, consent to one type of sexual act does not automatically imply consent to another type
of sexual act.
Once a person says "no," it does not matter if or what kind of sexual behavior has occurred at an earlier
date in time. For example, if one individual says "no" and the other forces penetration, it is sexual
misconduct. Consent to sexual activity may be withdrawn at any time, as long as the withdrawal of
consent is communicated clearly; upon clear communication, all sexual activity must cease.
Consent may not be given by the following persons:
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Individuals who are mentally incapacitated at the time of the sexual contact in a manner that
prevents him or her from understanding the nature or consequences of the sexual act involved;
Individuals who are unconscious or otherwise physically helpless; and
Minors.
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Incapacitation is defined as the physical and/or mental inability to make informed, rational judgments
that voids an individual's ability to give consent. Incapacitation may be caused by a permanent or
temporary physical or mental impairment. Incapacitation may also result from the consumption of
alcohol or the use of drugs.
The use of alcohol or drugs may, but does not automatically affect a person's ability to consent to sexual
contact. The consumption of alcohol or drugs may create a mental incapacity if the nature and degree of
the intoxication go beyond the stage of merely reduced inhibition and reach a point in which the
complainant does not understand the nature and consequences of the sexual act. In such case, the
person cannot consent.
A person violates the sexual misconduct policy if he or she has sexual contact with someone he or she
knows or should know is mentally incapacitated or has reached the degree of intoxication that results in
incapacitation. The test of whether an individual should know about another's incapacitation is whether
a reasonable, sober person would know about the incapacitation. A respondent cannot rebut a sexual
misconduct charge merely by arguing that he or she was drunk or otherwise impaired and, as a result
did not know that the other person was incapacitated.
A person who is passed out or unconscious as a result of the consumption of alcohol or drugs is
physically helpless and is not able to consent.
Prohibited Conduct:
Complicity: Complicity is any act that knowingly aids, abets, facilitates, promotes or encourages the
commission of prohibited conduct by another person.
Sexual Violence: Sexual violence is a severe form of sexual harassment and refers to physical sexual acts
perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent. A number of
different acts fall into the category of sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation,
sexual abuse, relationship violence, stalking and sexual coercion.
Non-consensual sexual contact: Any sexual contact that occurs without consent. Examples of sexual
contact include, but are not limited to, the intentional touching of a person's genitalia, groin, breast, or
buttocks or the clothing covering any of those areas, or using force to cause the person to touch his/her
own genitalia, groin, breast, or buttocks.
Non-consensual sexual intercourse: The act of sexual intercourse that occurs without consent. Sexual
intercourse is defined by penetration (anal, oral, or vaginal) by a penis, tongue, finger, or inanimate
object.
Sexual exploitation: Taking sexual advantage of another person without effective consent. This includes
but is not limited to causing the incapacitation of another person for a sexual purpose; causing the
prostitution of another person; electronically recording, photographing, or transmitting intimate or
sexual utterances, sounds, or images of another person; allowing third parties to observe sexual acts;
engaging in voyeurism; distributing intimate or sexual information about another person; and knowingly
transmitting a sexually transmitted infection, including HIV, to another person.
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Stalking: Repeated contact or any other course of conduct directed at a person that is sufficiently
serious enough to cause physical, emotional, or psychological fear or to create a hostile, intimidating or
abusive environment for a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities.
Contact includes but is not limited to unwanted communication (in person, by phone, or by computer),
unwelcome gifts or flowers, following a person, and watching or remaining in the physical presence of
the other person. Stalking may involve persons who know each other or strangers.
Sexual Harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or
physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when 1) submission to such conduct is
made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or academic
success; 2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for
employment or academic decisions affecting such individual; or 3) such conduct has the purpose or
effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an
intimidating, hostile or offensive work or educational environment.
Sexual harassment includes threats or insinuations, either explicitly or implicitly, that an employee’s
refusal to subject to sexual advances will adversely affect the employee’s employment, evaluation,
wages, advancement, assigned duties, shifts or any other conditions of employment.
Sexual harassing conduct is also prohibited. Such conduct may include, but is not limited to, unwanted
sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; unwanted graphic verbal
comments about an individual’s body; the display in the work place or educational environment of
inappropriate and sexually suggestive objects, pictures, writing, language or drawings; or unwelcome
touching or physical contact. Such conduct, whether committed by a person of the same or opposite
sex, is prohibited whether or not it rises to the level that might constitute unlawful harassment.
Gender-based Harassment: Gender-based harassment is another form of sex-based harassment and
refers to unwelcome conduct based on an individual’s actual or perceived sex, including harassment
based on gender identity or nonconformity with sex stereotypes, and not necessarily involving conduct
of a sexual nature. All of these types of sex-based harassment are forms of sex discrimination prohibited
by Title IX.
Sexual coercion or intimidation is an unreasonable amount of pressure or threat to engage in sexual
activity. Coercion begins not when one makes a sexual advance, but when one realizes that the other
person does not want to be convinced and he/she continues to push.
Relationship Abuse and Violence: Coercion, abuse or violence between partners in a personal,
romantic or intimate relationship. This behavior can be physical, sexual, psychological, verbal and/or
emotional. Incidents can occur between current or former intimate, romantic partners who have dated,
lived together, or been married including spouses, partners, roommates, or even family members.
Relationship abuse and violence can occur between persons of the same or different gender.
Retaliation: Retaliation is getting back at someone in words or actions for that person’s participation in
protected activity. Protected activity under this policy includes (i) an individual’s good faith reporting of
a complaint under the policy, participation in an investigation or hearing under the policy and (ii) an
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individual’s opposition to practices that an individual reasonably believes are in violation of this policy.
Retaliation is also a violation of this policy and subjects violators to prompt and appropriate discipline.
Report any acts of retaliation to the Title IX Coordinator. The College will not tolerate retaliation against
anyone under this policy, including the Title IX coordinators.
Wrongful allegation: It is a violation of this policy to bring a knowingly false complaint under this policy.
However, failure to prove a claim of sexual misconduct does not alone constitute proof of a false and /or
malicious accusation. Individuals who make frivolous or false reports shall not be deemed to be acting
in good faith.
Education and Training Programs
The College is committed to promoting awareness and increasing the prevention of conduct prohibited
under this policy through education and training prevention programs. The Title IX Coordinator
maintains information about educational and training programs for students, faculty and staff.
Programs include an overview of this policy as well as key terms such as prohibited conduct under this
policy, consent, positive and safe ways for bystanders to intervene, available resources on campus and
off, and the influence of alcohol and illegal drug use. The College provides educational materials
through a variety of outlets including online training, emails, new student orientation, annual
updates/training for employees, and new employee orientation.
Role of Title IX Coordinator/Deputy Title IX Coordinator
The Coordinator will first ensure that the complainant is safe and that the campus community is
protected. She may meet with the complainant of the reported sexual misconduct, known as the
“complainant.” The Coordinator is trained in college sexual misconduct and will provide information (in
writing) and advice to the complainant. The following information is provided:
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A copy of the College’s Sexual Misconduct policy including information about confidential
resources, investigation process and grievance procedures, and the College’s non-retaliation
policy
Resources on campus and in community, including counseling support.
Information about the person’s right to pursue criminal action in addition to the College’s
procedures and actions.
Possible alterations or other measures to assure the complainant’s well-being, including nocontact orders, adjustments to work/living arrangements/classes.
Description of the College’s obligation to treat both the complainant and respondent fairly and
to promptly investigate the reported sexual misconduct as deemed necessary
Investigation Procedures
If a decision is made by the Coordinator to initiate an investigation, the following actions will be taken:
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May interview complainant, respondent and witnesses
Relevant information and documents will be gathered. This information may include, but is not
limited to, reviewing campus and community law enforcement investigation documents, if
applicable; reviewing student and employee files; and gathering and examining other relevant
documents and evidence. Such investigation may involve review of documents, statements
and/or interviews of the complainant, the respondent and any witnesses whom the investigator
determines may have relevant information. The respondent and the complainant will each have
access to provide information to the investigator and will be provided full information about the
allegation.
Investigation will be prompt and will take no longer than thirty (30) days, unless extenuating
circumstances necessitate a longer time frame. If an investigation cannot be completed in that
time, the investigator will communicate in writing to the complainant and the respondent that
the investigation will take longer and will advise when the investigation is anticipated to be
complete.
At the conclusion of the investigation, findings will be shared with the complainant and
respondent. The Title IX Coordinator will determine whether or not a formal complaint is
warranted.
If a formal complaint is warranted, the matter will be handled in accordance with the grievance
procedures outlined in this policy.
At any time a serious, imminent and continuing threat exists, Campus Police will be notified and
an MC Alert message will be issued on campus to provide timely notification and warning to the
campus community.
Grievance Procedures
Informal Resolution
A complainant who wishes to file a complaint of sexual misconduct at Meredith College but who does
not wish to pursue a grievance hearing may request a less formal proceeding, referred to as the informal
resolution process. The informal resolution process is not available for complaints of sexual violence,
such as sexual assault, even on a voluntary basis. The informal resolution process is intended to resolve
complaints quickly, efficiently, and to the mutual satisfaction of both parties. Both the complainant and
the respondent must agree to participate in the informal mediation, and either party can end the
mediation process at any time. The complainant has the right to bypass the informal resolution process
and may elect to initiate the college Grievance Hearing Board process.
In mediation, the Title IX Coordinator or Dean of Students may arrange a meeting between the two
parties to facilitate discussion of the complaint. Mediation is designed to encourage each person to be
honest and direct with the other and to accept personal responsibility where appropriate. Its goal is to
facilitate the resolution of the incident to the satisfaction of both persons involved, and to reach an
agreement that is binding on both parties. If the complainant and the respondent are satisfied with the
outcome, the matter will be considered resolved Any failure to comply with the terms of an informal
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resolution agreement may result in additional disciplinary action or a further allegation of sexual
misconduct or harassment.
Formal Grievance Procedures
As sexual misconduct is considered by the College to be a serious form of sexual harassment and a
violation of the College’s Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy, all formal complaints of sexual
misconduct (unless resolved through the informal resolution process), as warranted by the Title IX
Coordinator of the Dean of Students (if students are involved), will be addressed through the College
Grievance Hearing Board. The complainant and the respondent will be granted the same rights and
access to provide an equitable and fair process that provides the same opportunities to both parties.
Both the Complainant and Respondent have the following rights:
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Equal opportunity to present relevant witnesses and other evidence.
Equal opportunity to have an advisor at any stage of the disciplinary proceedings. A student
may select an advisor from the current College community including a student, faculty or staff
member who is currently employed or enrolled at Meredith College and who is not a witness in
the matter. In matters alleging sexual misconduct, students may have an advisor of their
choosing and are not restricted to an advisor from within the College community (current
students, faculty or staff). The role of advisors is to assist and support the students they advise
and may not actively participate in the hearings. The advisor’s role is limited to quietly
conferring with the advisor’s advisee in writing or whispering, and advisors may not address any
other participant or the hearing panel.
Other than the parties, their advisors, hearing panel members, Title IX Coordinator or Dean of
Students or their designees, and witnesses when testifying, others are not permitted to be
present in the hearing room, but may be seated outside the hearing room.
Preponderance- of-the evidence (more likely than not) standard will be used in fact-finding and
hearing procedures.
Right to an appeal.
Receive written notification of the outcomes of both the hearing board’s decision and the
appeal.
Representation on the College Grievance Hearing Board
The Title IX Coordinator will assemble the College Grievance Hearing Board (the “Board”) from the
College Grievance Hearing Board pool of available members ensuring that no member has a known
conflict of interest. The College Grievance Hearing Board pool includes members of Faculty Council, the
Staff Affairs Committee, undergraduate students who serve as student representatives on the Honor
Council, and one graduate student from each school with graduate programs. The Title IX Coordinator
will select five (5) members of the Grievance Hearing Board pool and one alternate to serve on the
hearing board. The Board should include individuals from each segment of the campus community
represented by the concerned parties. For example, if the complaint is from a student against a faculty
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member, the Coordinator would select three students (undergraduate students or graduate students,
depending upon the student’s enrollment in either an undergraduate or graduate program) and two
faculty or staff members to hear the case and the fifth board member and the alternate could be either
a current student, faculty or staff member. If the hearing involves only faculty and staff members as
complainant and respondent, the hearing board will consist only of faculty and staff. The chair will be
selected by committee vote. The Title IX Coordinator and/or the Dean of Students will be available to
provide technical assistance on procedural and policy matters. The Board will receive training on
grievance procedures, sexual misconduct information/sensitivity and hearing board member
responsibilities prior to the hearing date and are not eligible to serve unless they attend the training.
Grievance Board Review Process
The Board will review the complaint and all information provided, carefully examine any policies
involved, and may take statements or call witnesses to evaluate the complaint. Evidence and a list of
witnesses who will be called will be distributed to both parties in advance of the hearing. Both parties
should submit lists of potential witnesses to the Title IX Coordinator one week prior to the hearing. The
complainant and respondent may also submit written statements to the hearing panel in advance of the
hearing and both parties shall have a maximum of ten minutes to present relevant facts during oral
opening statements at the hearing. Both parties may propose questions of witnesses to be considered
to be asked through the Board. The complainant and the respondent will not be permitted to ask
questions directly of each other; questions submitted to the Chair will be reviewed for relevance related
to the hearing. The rules of evidence do not apply. The complainant and the respondent may each elect
to be present in the hearing room during the proceedings. If either party requests not to be physically
present during some or all of the proceedings, arrangements will be made by the Title IX Coordinator or
Dean of Students to allow for both parties to participate in the hearing while not being required to
physically be in the same hearing room.
Issues regarding admission of evidence or testimony, including relevancy and reliability, will be
determined by the Chair in consultation with the Title IX Coordinator. Irrelevant sexual history or other
behavior may not be discussed during the hearing The parties and all witnesses are expected to provide
honest information and statements. The Chair shall determine it its discretion the management of the
hearing, the relevance of information. Behavior that disrupts the hearing process will not be permitted
and the Chair and the Title IX Coordinator will address parties, witnesses or advisors as necessary.
Both parties have the option of having another member of the Meredith community (current student,
faculty or staff) not otherwise involved in the matter or serving as a witness to be present as an advisor
or supporter. The complainant and the respondent, along with designated advisers, may be present
during the hearing with the exception of the deliberation portion of the hearing.
The basis for a decision by the Board will be based on a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard (more
likely than not), with the simple majority decision of the Board.
The Board may find that prohibited misconduct has occurred or that it has not. When a finding of
misconduct has occurred, a recommendation of remedy including sanction will be determined Sanctions
for a finding of responsibility depend upon the nature and gravity of the misconduct. Meredith College
reserves the right to provide sanctions that may include, but are not limited to: warning, reprimand,
probation, delay of graduation (for student), suspension, expulsion, use of on-campus or off-campus
resources, termination (of employee), and restitution. Recommendations of termination of faculty
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members will be submitted to the Provost for review and further action through the Procedure for
Dismissal of Faculty as outlined in the Meredith College Employee Handbook. The chair will prepare a
written report within five (5) business days with findings and recommendations to be submitted to the
Title IX Coordinator or the Dean of Students. The Title IX Coordinator or the Dean of Students will
deliver a written notification of the Board’s decision and any sanctions to the respondent and the
complainant.
Standard of proof
The basis for a decision will be based on a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard (more likely than
not). This means that in order to find the respondent responsible, the Board must find, based on the
evidence presented at the hearing, that it is more likely than not that the respondent is responsible for
the violation.
Procedures for Appeal of a Grievance Hearing Board Decision
The Complainant or the respondent may appeal the Board’s decision, subject to the scope of a review
and confined to these questions: 1) whether there is evidence in the record to support the decision
and/or sanctions based on the preponderance of the evidence standard; 2) whether the hearing was
free of substantial error prejudicial to the appellant under the prescribed procedures; and/or 3) whether
the sanction imposed is appropriate to the violation. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Title
IX Coordinator within five (5) business days.
Appeals of the College Grievance Hearing Board decision shall be heard by the appropriate vice
president (or President when the employee reports directly to the President.) The Vice President for
College Programs will hear the appeal if the respondent and complainant included only students. If the
hearing included both students and faculty or staff members, the appeal shall be heard jointly by the
Vice President for College Programs and the vice president for the division in which the faculty or staff
member is employed. The vice president(s), at his or her discretion, may seek the advice and counsel of
the Grievance Appeal Advisory Committee which shall consist of two members of the Grievance Hearing
Board pool who were not involved in the original hearing. The Title IX Coordinator and/or Dean of
Students will also serve as a non-voting member of the Grievance Appeal Advisory Committee.
Decisions will be made within ten (10) business days. In the event of extenuating circumstances that
prevent a decision to be made within this timeframe, both parties will be notified in writing of the
anticipated date of the decision.
In considering the appeal, the vice president shall consider only what is included in the hearing records;
no new evidence may be permitted. The vice president will send a written notification of the decision to
both the complainant and the respondent. The decision of the vice president is final.
Updated August 2015
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Smoking Policy
Out of consideration for members of the College community who choose not to smoke or whose health
is negatively affected by smoke, smoking and the use of e-cigarettes or vaporizers is prohibited in all
campus buildings. Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes or vaporizers is prohibited on the College
campus, except in the following locations:
Smoking is permitted in the paved commuter lots (parking lots 4, 5 and 16 on the Meredith College
campus map), the softball field lot (11), lot adjacent to Campus Police (12) the underclassmen lots (13
and 14), Heilman-Barefoot lot (15), the athletic field lot (18), and (the two side parking lots for The Oaks
(19—note, this excludes the parking area in front of The Oaks).*
It is the responsibility of each student/faculty/staff member to inform guests of the College’s
Smoking Policy.
*These locations were chosen with respect to the College campus fire safety, maintenance, and
accessibility.
Social Sororities and Secret Societies
Students do not have social sororities of any name or kind on the campus, whether national or local,
affiliated or unaffiliated. Also, secret societies are not permitted at Meredith. All organizations must be
approved by Senate.
Solicitation Policy
Members of the Meredith community enjoy protection of their rights of privacy. Solicitation by on- or
off-campus persons, organizations, or businesses is strictly prohibited unless authorized by the Vice
President for College Programs or by the Director of Student Leadership and Service. Any use of College
facilities by off-campus persons for purposes of solicitation, even those sponsored by campus
organizations, must also be approved. Under no circumstances are off-campus persons allowed to solicit
door-to-door. Any business or company requesting to give a program or presentation is to be referred to
the director of student leadership and service to be channeled through the appropriate organization.
Any religious organization wanting to give a program or presentation is to be referred to the campus
chaplain for approval.
Student Activities Fee
All undergraduate part-time and full-time degree-seeking students pay a student activities fee per
semester. This fee is used to fund a variety of activities to enhance campus life and reduce the cost of
tickets to some events.
Sunbathing
Sunbathing is permitted only in the area surrounded by Faircloth, Brewer, Heilman and Barefoot. The
sunbathing area is restricted to women only.
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Transportation—College
The Meredith College 15-passenger buses are used on a first-come, first-served basis for the purpose of
providing transportation for faculty, students, and staff to College-sponsored or related
activities/events. There are three buses limited to destinations within 300 miles from campus, unless
approved by the appropriate vice president. Buses may be reserved by contacting the Parking Director
at the Campus Police Office. For further information about the Meredith College Vehicle Transportation
and Safety Policy, please contact Campus Police at 919-760-8888.
All drivers must be 21 years or older, complete Bus Driver Training conducted by Campus Police and
employed by the College as faculty or staff. To be eligible to drive, one must have a valid driver’s license.
Students are not allowed to drive Meredith College buses.
For student organizations using the Meredith buses, an adviser must accompany the group and buses on
the trip. All student organizations planning to use the Meredith buses also must receive permission from
the Office of Student Leadership and Service.
T-shirt and Sweatshirt Design Approval
Designs for student organization and class T-shirts and sweatshirts must be approved by the Assistant
Director of student leadership and service and the department of marketing. Designs for any residence
hall T-shirts and sweatshirts must be approved by the resident director and the assistant director of
student leadership and service. All student organizations must complete a Sale of Items Pre-Approval
Form and have it approved and on file in the Office of Student Leadership and Service. All copyright laws
apply. Please contact the Office of Student Leadership and Service at 919-760-8338 for more
information.
Weapons/Firearms
Possession of weapons/firearms (either openly carried or concealed) is strictly prohibited on campus
and at College-sponsored functions. Violators will be reported to campus police and to the Honor
Council. Violators are subject to arrest and prosecution.
Withholding Grades
All services in the Office of the Registrar are contingent upon satisfactory college accounts and other
College obligations. Transcripts and grades may be withheld at the discretion of College officials for lack
of payment of College fees and fines and for failure to complete other College obligations.
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